Watch: Brian Lara and Carl Hooper were moved to tears upon seeing the West Indies clinch one of their greatest overseas victories ever, beating Australia by eight runs in Brisbane.
Arguably the greatest batter of his era, Lara couldn’t contain his happiness when Shamar Joseph knocked down Josh Hazlewood’s stumps at the Gabba, handing the West Indies’ their first win against Australia in 21 years. Lara was the captain in the famous 2003 St Johns victory, when West Indies chased down a record 418 with three wickets to spare.
Former skipper Hooper was part of the side that defeated Australia last in Australia, 24 years ago in the Perth Test.
In a video shared by broadcaster Mark Howard, Lara can be seen teary eyed as Ian Smith, always the man for historic finishes, announced West Indies’ triumph on commentary. As he spoke, their hero Joseph, having just cleaned up Hazlewood’s off stump, sprinted to the end of the Gabba in elation, chased by his teammates.
The 3 Kings…@gilly381 @BrianLara #Smithy
❤️ test cricket…@FoxCricket pic.twitter.com/rQBxho9z3B— Mark Howard (@MarkHoward03) January 28, 2024
Lara was hugged by Adam Gilchrist, before Smith asked him to take over.
“It’s unbelievable. Twenty seven years to beat Australia in Australia. Young, inexperienced, written off – this West Indies team can stand tall today. West Indies cricket can stand tall today.”
“Today is a big day in West Indies cricket. Congratulations, congratulations to every single member of that cricket team. What a wonderful occasion”.
Lara has been vocal about his fears regarding the future of Test cricket, and West Indies cricket in particular, recently urging the world to look beyond the big three – India, England and Australia.
In a separate video, ABC commentator Carl Hooper is seen holding his head and standing in one corner of the studio, resting himself by the wall and taking in the emotion of the victory. He turns around, wiping his tears, as the victory is announced on the mic.
What it means to Carl Hooper! @abcsport #AUSvWI pic.twitter.com/5TlnhWezRS
— Ben Cameron (@BenCameron23) January 28, 2024
In the last 35 years, only two visiting teams have won a Test match at the Gabba – India’s famous victory in 2021, and this West Indies triumph.
Reactions poured in from across the world, with Daren Sammy, another former West Indies captain, putting up a tweet that read: “Are you not entertained?”
