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regular-article-logo Monday, 23 December 2024

Pacer Shamar Joseph inspires West Indies to first test win in Australia since 1997

Australia’s new opener Steve Smith, who made 91 not out, farmed the strike to protect Josh Hazlewood (0) when the Test hung in the balance, but it was to no avail

Our Bureau Brisbane Published 29.01.24, 05:59 AM
Steve Smith on Sunday.

Steve Smith on Sunday. Getty Images

Pacer Shamar Joseph took 7/68 as he bowled through pain to give the West Indies a first Test win in Australia since 1997 with an incredible eight-run upset on the fourth day of the day-night second Test in Brisbane.

Forced to retire hurt from a toe-crushing Mitchell Starc yorker the previous evening, Joseph bounced back to claim six wickets in a session to help the West Indies sensationally dismiss Australia for 207 in pursuit of a modest target of 216.

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Australia's new opener Steve Smith, who made 91 not out, farmed the strike to protect Josh Hazlewood (0) when the Test hung in the balance, but it was to no avail.

Joseph, playing his first Test series, sent Hazlewood's off-stump flying and he dashed off across the Gabba field with his tongue hanging out before celebrating with his teammates.

"Tears would have come to my eyes but I already cried when I got my five-wicket haul," said Joseph, who was named both Man of the Match and Man of the Series.

"It's just happiness, when was the last time we won in Australia? I can't even remember. Today's a big day for us."

It was Australia's first loss in 12 pink ball Tests.

The West Indies, who arrived in Australia with a weakened and inexperienced squad, were given little hope of getting anything out of the series, a judgement apparently vindicated when they lost the first Test by 10 wickets in Adelaide.

"I feel like we win the series even though it's 1-1," Joseph added.

Australia skipper Pat Cummins had courageously declared at 289/9 with his side still behind the visitors' first innings total of 311 before his bowlers dismissed West Indies for 193 in their second dig.

Cummins, who led Australia to a World Test Championship triumph last year, said he was disappointed at the defeat but paid full tribute to West Indies.

"That was a fantastic Test match and a fantastic series," he said.

"I thought in particular, Shamar, the way he bowled today was right up there and unfortunately we weren't good enough... this game humbles you pretty quickly when you're thinking you're on top of the world."

Joseph, who lit up the first Test with a five-wicket haul on debut and handy runs from No. 11, was unable to finish his batting innings on Saturday night, such was the pain from his injury.

The 24-year-old said he was in such discomfort that he almost did not turn up at the ground for Day IV. But some medical treatment did the trick, and the rest, as they say, is history.

With inputs from Reuters

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