In a remarkable display of skill and determination, rookie fast bowler Shamar Joseph delivered an astonishing seven-wicket haul to lead an inexperienced West Indies team to a stunning eight-run victory over top-ranked Australia in the pink-ball second Test.
This historic win marked West Indies’ first triumph on Australian soil in nearly three decades.
Despite nursing an injured toe, the 24-year-old Joseph produced an incredible spell, capturing seven wickets for just 68 runs in 11.5 tireless, consecutive overs. He dismantled the Australian batting line-up as they were bowled out for 207, commencing the day at 60 for two while chasing a target of 216 for victory.
While opener Steve Smith remained unbeaten on 91 not out, and Cameron Green added 42 runs to his overnight total, Joseph’s introduction into the attack turned the game around dramatically. During his spell, Australia lost their last eight wickets for just 94 runs, leaving their run chase in tatters by lunch as they reached 187 for eight.
Momentous achievement for West Indies
Fast bowler Alzarri Joseph, who claimed two wickets for 62 runs, dismissed Nathan Lyon for nine in the first over after the lunch break, having previously dropped a low return catch. Shamar Joseph then sealed the victory by uprooting Josh Hazlewood’s off-stump with the final ball of the fourth over, sparking jubilant celebrations among the West Indies squad.
This triumph was a momentous achievement for West Indies, marking their first Test win in Australia since 1997, ending a string of 15 defeats in 17 Tests and nine series losses. Additionally, it was their first Test victory against Australia in 21 years and their maiden win in a day-night Test after five previous attempts.
An elated Shamar Joseph reflected on the day, saying, “I wasn’t even coming to the ground this morning. Dr. [Denis] Byam told me to come to the ground even if it is just to support the guys. I came, and he did something to my toe—I don’t know what he did, but something worked. I had the time to go out there and bowl and bring this game home for my team.”
Man-of-the-Match and Man-of-the-Series honors
Joseph, one of seven uncapped players in the squad, was awarded both the Man-of-the-Match and Man-of-the-Series honors for his sensational performance, which saw him claim a total of 13 wickets at an impressive average of 17 runs apiece.
West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite admitted he did not expect Joseph to be available for the match and found out only an hour before play that he would be able to participate. Brathwaite praised Joseph’s determination, stating, “He told me today he’s not putting [the ball] down until it’s finished, and that’s an example for this team to follow.”
For Australia, this defeat marked their first loss in a pink-ball Test, ending a streak of 11 consecutive wins. Despite the disappointment, Aussie captain Pat Cummins acknowledged the fantastic Test match and series.
The series concluded with a 1-1 draw after West Indies had suffered a 10-wicket defeat in the first Test in Adelaide.
