Debutant Shamar Joseph Makes History with First-Ball Wicket against Australia

Debutant Shamar Joseph announced his arrival in Test cricket with a moment of history, getting the key wicket of Steven Smith first ball during the first Test between West Indies and Australia. The 24-year-old fast bowler, hailing from the small village of Baracara in Guyana, had already shown promise with the bat earlier in the match, scoring 36 runs in a crucial last-wicket partnership. However, it was when he was handed the ball for the ninth over of Australia’s innings that he etched his name in the record books.

With his very first delivery, Joseph landed a good length outside off and enticed Smith, who was opening the innings for the first time, into playing a shot. Smith’s thick edge was smartly caught at third slip by Justin Greaves, sending the entire West Indies team into celebration. Joseph became only the third player to take a wicket with his first ball in Test cricket and the second West Indian to achieve this feat since Edwin Smith in 1939. Interestingly, Nathan Lyon, who was also playing in this match, had accomplished the same during his Test debut against Sri Lanka in 2011.

The Test match in Adelaide witnessed the beginning of several fresh starts. Joseph was one of three debutants included in the West Indies side, along with Kavem Hodge and Justin Greaves. Joseph had caught the attention during West Indies A’s tour of South Africa last year, where he claimed 12 wickets and showcased his impressive skills and intensity. Former West Indian cricketer Ian Bishop had earlier praised Joseph’s attitude and physical capabilities, setting high hopes for his future.

Australia won the toss and chose to bowl, with Pat Cummins leading their attack. He made an immediate impact by dismissing both West Indies openers, Tagenarine Chanderpaul and Kraigg Brathwaite, early on. Josh Hazlewood further troubled the middle order, taking four wickets, while Kirk McKenzie fought back with the highest score of 50. In a surprising turn of events, the West Indies tail-enders Shamar Joseph and Alzarri Joseph put up a robust partnership of 55 runs, with the former eventually falling for 36 off Nathan Lyon’s delivery. West Indies were bowled out for 188, with Cummins finishing as the pick of the bowlers with figures of 4-41.

When Australia batted, their wicketkeeper Joshua De Silva had a forgettable start, dropping a catch from Usman Khawaja early on. Shamar Joseph’s moment to shine arrived in the ninth over, and he made it count by dismissing Steven Smith with his first ball. Later, he claimed the wicket of Marnus Labuschagne for 10, inducing a catch in the deep off a short ball. At the end of the day, Australia stood at 2-59 with Khawaja and Labuschagne at the crease.

Shamar Joseph’s splendid debut performance garnered immense praise from the cricketing fraternity. West Indies legend Brian Lara described his achievement as “amazing.” Experts Michael Vaughan and Kerry O’Keeffe lauded Joseph’s contribution, noting that he brought his team back into the game and provided the crucial breakthroughs. With just five first-class matches under his belt, Joseph has already made a significant impact and looks set to have a bright future in international cricket.