West Indies' newest fast bowling sensation, Shamar Joseph, took the cricket fraternity by storm after dismissing Australian great Steve Smith on his very first delivery in international cricket. Let's dwell on the young gun's humble beginnings, which are rooted in a remote village in Guyana.
Shamar Joseph was one of the three debutants who featured in the West Indies final XI for the first Test against Australia scheduled at Adelaide. Joseph, who made waves by claiming 12 wickets during West Indies A's tour of South Africa, earned a much-deserved call-up for the big series. And to everyone's surprise, the fast bowler exceeded all expectations and raised the bar on day 1 of his Test career.
On his very first delivery of international cricket, Shamar Joseph caught big fish Steve Smith and sent him packing in the ninth over of the first innings.
He bowled a conventional good-length delivery. However, the batter, who was opening the innings for the first time in Tests, was deceived by pace. He scuffled across to defend but ended up getting a thick outside edge, which went straight to Justin Greaves at second slip.
Shamar Joseph hails from a remote village called Baracara, situated in Guyana, which is only accessible via a two-day boat trip through the Canje River. He grew up in an extended family of five brothers and three sisters. However, the pacer endured a tough upbringing.
For most of his life, Shamar was deprived of basic amenities such as telephone or internet services. Yet, he found solace in cricket. Joseph's first adventure in cricket began with a tape ball.
Shamar Joseph dismissed Steven Smith on the first ball of his Test career.
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) January 17, 2024
- What a start by Shamar...!!! pic.twitter.com/ScCKm3lVXs
However, the pacer had trouble pursuing his passion due to family responsibilities. Joseph was forced to work as a bodyguard to provide for his family, which includes a 2-year-old kid. While Shamar tried to make peace with the circumstances, his love for cricket drove him to take a bold step. He quit his job to pursue cricket full-time, and the rest is history.
Shamar played first-class cricket for Guyana Harpy Eagles in February 2023 and picked nine wickets in a mere three games.
The match was an absolute thriller with both teams giving it their all in the Pink Day Test. The Aussies were chasing a target 216 and were on road to do it before Joseph's fiery spell turned the tables. The Windies made a comeback into the contest on the back of a bruised Joseph, who went to a hospital to take scans for his suspected toe fracture. However, he was cleared of it ahead of the fourth day of the Test match.
Joseph tore into the Australian batting line-up in the first session of the day. The Aussies were poised at 60/2 in their chase of 216 but lost six wickets in the opening session. They scored 127 runs but lost six wickets in it - all to the sensational Joseph.
Bowled! The ball hits Green's elbow and cannons into the stumps! Joseph with the breakthrough #AUSvWI pic.twitter.com/GEQzvr7gNo
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 28, 2024
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