Shamar Joseph Makes Million-Dollar Promise, Vows To Serve West Indies In Tests Over Cash-Rich Leagues

Shamar Joseph celebrates after one of his wickets against Australia. (Image: CWI)

Perth: At a time when most of the new-age West Indies cricketers look to play franchise leagues around the world, cricket’s new superstar Shamar Joseph has promised to stick to Test cricket after leading his side to a thrilling eight-run win over Australia at the Gabba on Sunday. Joseph, who is playing just his second Test match, braved a toe injury and grabbed 7/68 as the young fast bowler inspired the West Indies to its first win in Australia in 27 years.

Joseph was struck by a Mitchell Starc yorker on Saturday and had to hobble off the field. But that didn’t deter his determination as the 24-year-old flattened Australia for 207 to give the West Indies a memorable win. This was also Australia’s first-ever loss in a pink-ball Test match. With this win, West Indies drew the series 1-1 after Australia won the first game in Adelaide.

Asked about his response when franchise owners would reach out to him, Joseph said, “I will always be here to play Test cricket for the West Indies.” “I am not afraid to say this live. There will be times when T20 might come around and Test cricket will be there … but I will always be available to play for the West Indies no matter how much money comes towards me.”

Such were the emotions, that even former West Indies greats Carl Hooper and Brain Lara were caught crying in happiness in the commentary box. Opening batter Steve Smith was left stranded with an unbeaten 91 off 146 balls as Joseph kept coming hard at the Australian batters with his pace.

“Shout out for my teammates for their support,” Joseph told broadcasters soon after masterminding West Indies’ memorable win. “I wasn’t even going to come to the ground today, but the doctor did something to my toe. I don’t know what he did, but it worked.”

For the records, this was West Indies’ first Test win in Australia at WACA since 1997. With 216 to win, Australia started the day at 60/2. But But Joseph returned with a stunning spell of fast bowling to breathe life when he grabbed 6/60 off an unchanged ten-over spell.

The right-arm seamer then return and delivered knockout punch when Josh Hazlewood missed the line to be clean bowled, leaving the entire Caribbean sea at the stands in celebration. West Indies will next play three ODIs and three T20Is against Australia.