When the West Indies needed inspiration, youthful Shamar Joseph provided it. After getting struck with a Mitchell Starc yorker on Day 3, he sustained a toe injury and was unable to play in the last session. On the fourth day of the second Test in Brisbane, there was a lot of emotion when the West Indies defeated the powerful Australians with a bowling display that was among the greatest in cricket history.
Australia was 60/2 at the start of the day and needed 156 runs more to win the match and the Test series 2-0. Steve Smith and Cameron Green, the overnight hitters, quickly added 53 runs.
Only a few overs into his innings, the 24-year-old was handed the ball by Kraigg Brathwaite. Ten runs were given up by the right-arm pacer in his opening over. But he recovered, dismissing Travis Head and Green in back-to-back deliveries, giving the tourists a boost in confidence.
During his remarkable session, Shamar Joseph went on to bowl ten overs in a row and claimed four more wickets.
was 187/8 at the end of the first session, needing 29 runs to win. At 76, Steve Smith was still undefeated and preventing the visitors from pulling off a stunning victory.
Nathan Lyon was removed in the opening over following the interval by Alzarri Joseph. Smith and Josh Hazlewood’s last-wicket partnership yielded 16 runs before Joseph, predictably, came back to remove Josh Hazlewood, leaving Smith stranded on 91. The series was equal at one after the West Indies triumphed by eight runs. Their arduous 27-year search for an Australian Test victory came to an end with this. It was only fitting that Joseph was named Player of the Series and Player of the Match.
The following is how ‘X’ users responded to the amazing experience:
This has been one of the best test matches I’ve been privileged to witness.
— Ian Raphael Bishop (@irbishi) January 28, 2024
The fortress Gabba has been breached again by the West Indies
What a beautiful spell by Shamar Josheph 👏
Test cricket at its peak 🔥🔥🔥#AUSvWI #AUSvsWI #gabba #brisbane #shamarjoseph #austr— Prakhar Patwardhan 🇮🇳 (@PrakharPatward1) January 28, 2024
One of the greatest win for West Indies of this century. Considering their team & situation, how everyone completely dismissed them & they absolutely smashed Aussies in their own FORT🤌🏼
Hope they never look back from here.
JOSEPH DESERVES A STATUE!#AUSvWI pic.twitter.com/MiIEkI0SHl— Vibhor Jha (@vibhorjhatweets) January 28, 2024
Doesn’t happen very often…both the Australian Men’s & Women’s team losing!!! Important victories for SA Women & West Indies Men in Test cricket. Great for the global game!!!
— Lisa Sthalekar (@sthalekar93) January 28, 2024
West Indies beating Australia after two decades in test matches. Well done @windiescricket and Shamar Joseph. #AUSvsWI
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) January 28, 2024
Are you not entertained.
— Daren Sammy (@darensammy88) January 28, 2024
What a win for @windiescricket, incredible scenes! All eyes now on @englandcricket 🤞 Test cricket at it’s best ❤️
— Jos Buttler (@josbuttler) January 28, 2024
2 Great Test matches being played simultaneously .. exactly why we need Test match windows where only Test cricket is being played .. #AUSvsWI #INDvsENG
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) January 28, 2024
What a spell Shamar Joesph🤯#AUSvsWI
— Devdutt Padikkal (@devdpd07) January 28, 2024
Woo wee…what a victory for @windiescricket so happy for them!!! @7cricket Shamar Joseph thank you for taking a punt on cricket 🏏 pic.twitter.com/CYUJ6tBHx4
— Lisa Sthalekar (@sthalekar93) January 28, 2024
WEST INDIES!
— Mickey Arthur (@Mickeyarthurcr1) January 28, 2024
What a Victory for @windiescricket against @CricketAus in Australia #WIvsAUS
— Kamran Akmal (@KamiAkmal23) January 28, 2024
Seeing @BrianLara in tears in the comm box tells you everything you need to know about Test cricket and what it means .. @FoxCricket 🙌🙌
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) January 28, 2024
India
