Who is Shamar Joseph? All you need to know about West Indies’ pacer

Shamar-Joseph. (Photo Source: Twitter)

Young pace sensation Shamar Joseph marked his international debut with an unforgettable moment, securing his first wicket on the very first ball he bowled in international cricket. The right-arm fast-medium bowler accomplished this on Day 1 of the first Test between Australia and West Indies at the Adelaide Oval in Adelaide on Wednesday, January 17.

He carried out a first strike for the Kraigg Brathwaite-led side in the ninth over of the second innings, dismissing distinguished batter Steven Smith, who was opening for Australia for the first time in his prolific Test career. The 24-year-old Guyanese cricketer hit the deck hard, and kept the length outside off. Smith, in the normal way, stepped across to block it but got an outside edge to the left of the third slip which saw debutant Justin Greaves diving forward and completing a sharp catch.

Shamar Joseph became only the 23rd bowler to pick a wicket with his first ball in the history of men’s Tests. Remarkably, he is just the second cricketer from the West Indies after Tyrell Johnson who had scripted the record against England at The Oval in 1939. Additionally, Joseph had already made a favourable impression as he hit 36 (41) in a 55-run last-wicket stand with Kemar Roach after being put to bat first.

Joseph, hailing from the small village of Baracara in Guyana, emerged as one of the three debutants included in the West Indies’ Test squad alongside Kavem Hodge and Greaves. He earned the place following an impressive performance during West Indies A’s tour of South Africa, where he secured a total of 12 wickets to his name.

Australia trail by 129 after Day 1 stumps

World Test champions Australia did a flawless job against seventh-placed West Indies on the opening day of the first Test. Captain Pat Cummins and right-armer Josh Hazlewood pioneered the pace attack, claiming four wickets each. Only Kirk McKenzie stood up for the Windies, bringing a 50 off a mere 94 deliveries.

On the other hand, Steven Smith failed to throw a bomb during his first attempt as an opener as he was removed by Shamar Joseph for a below-par 12 runs. Joseph claimed his second wicket, as he got Marnus Labuschagne in the 15th over. The Pat Cummins-led Australia are at 59/2 after Stumps on Day 1. They are now trailing by 129 runs, with Usman Khawaja (30*) and new No. 4 Cameron Green (6*) at the crease.