Watch: West Indies debutant Shamar Joseph struck gold off his first delivery in international cricket, claiming Australia opener Steve Smith on the opening day of the Adelaide Test.
Leading up to the Test, there was considerable discussion around Smith’s new role as opener, replacing the retired David Warner at the top. In 105 Test matches, Smith had never opened in the format. The opportunity came against the West Indies on the opening day of the two-Test series, after West Indies folded for 188.
Before he held the ball for the first time in Tests, Shamar played a key role in pushing a struggling West Indies close to 200 in the first innings, scoring a 41-ball 36 from No.11, the second-highest among all his teammates.
His moment, though, came off the first ball of the ninth over, his first in international cricket.
Bowled at length and just outside off, the delivery pushed Smith to his backfoot, inducing an edge that flew behind to the slip cordon. Justin Greaves, Joseph’s fellow debutant, took a low, sharp catch at third slip, sending the West Indies team into a frenzy.
Joseph ran away in ecstasy, pumping the air in celebration after dismissing the No.3 ranked Test batter in the world off just his first ball.
Six overs later, Joseph had another big breakthrough: a bouncer surprised Marnus Labuschagne, who ended up hooking it down the throat of fine leg.
The 24-year-old Shamar Joseph is one of seven West Indies debutants on the tour, and among the three who were picked for the first Test. His career has followed an unconventional route so far: he quit a job at a security firm and took up full-time cricket only recently, having played just nine professional matches before he was fast-tracked into the A team, and then the Test squad.
Watch Shamar dismiss Smith off his first ball
SHAMAR JOSEPH WITH HIS FIRST BALL IN TEST CRICKET!
And it's Steve Smith who's the wicket! #AUSvWI pic.twitter.com/QpV0Aak1Dd
— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) January 17, 2024
