Three years after surrendering their fortress to India, Australia suffered another shocking defeat at the Gabba. This time, at the hands of the West Indies. Reeling 1-0 in the series after losing the Adelaide Test, the Caribbean tourists made a spirited comeback to rob the Aussies in their own backyard. Chasing 216, Australia were bundled out for 207 as Shamar Joseph, the rookie speedster, wreaked havoc in Brisbane.
IND vs ENG 1st Test Day 4 Live
Joseph, who needed scans after retiring hurt on Saturday night when he was hit on the toe by a Mitchell Starc yorker, took 7-68 on Sunday as the West Indies bowled Australia out for 207, giving the West Indies their first win in Australia since 1997.
Joseph ended the second Test with an 8-wicket match haul, picking up 7 in Australia’s second essay. He pocketed a total of 14 wickets in 2 games, being the second-highest wicket-taker in the 2-match series.
But less than a year ago, he wasn’t even a First-class cricketer. Interestingly, when India mauled the Aussies in Gabba in 2021, Joseph was working as a security officer in Berbice. According to The Indian Express, the left-arm quick, who hails from a remote area in Guyana, used fruits or melted plastic bottles and turned them into a ball and played cricket with his cousin.
Joseph comes from a family which has deep faith in God. So, he was never allowed to play cricket on Saturdays as it was meant to serve the Church. He could only play on Sundays. But eventually, his fortunes turned after meeting a former Guyana cricketer-turned-businessman, Damion Vantull.
Vantull played a massive role in shaping Joseph’s career, helping him play at the highest level. Once he left home and started playing full-time club cricket, people around him started noticing him. Soon, he got into the ranks of the Guyanese national side.
International debut
Joseph received his debut cap from the legendary Brian Lara ahead of the Adelaide Test and made the mark right in his opening over. He took down Aussie vice-captain Steve Smith on the very first ball and guess what, Lara, in the commentary box, was all smiles.
He went on to pick up a five-wicket haul on debut but remained wicketless in Australia’s second essay. The West Indies lost the game by 10 wickets and bounced back at the Gabba to settle the score.
Coming to Brisbane, he could pick just 1 wicket in the first innings but he owned the final one when West Indies were defending 216. After getting cleared of a toe fracture, Joseph returned with a 7-wicket haul to hand West Indies a victory to remember.
Domestic Career
Joesph has so far played 6 First-class games, 2 List A and as many T20 matches. He has 26 FC wickets, 2 in List As and has yet to pick any in the shortest format of the game.
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