First-ball joy: Shamar Joseph begins Test cricket with Steven Smith’s wicket.
First-ball joy: Shamar Joseph begins Test cricket with Steven Smith’s wicket
Shamar Joseph, a West Indies fast bowler with only five first-class matches under his belt. Had an impressive start to his Test career by dismissing Steven Smith with his first ball during the West Indies’ opening Test against Australia at Adelaide.
Joseph, 24, had already made a mark on the opening day in Adelaide, scoring 36 in a last-wicket partnership of 55 with Kemar Roach.
But it was when he was given the ball for Australia’s ninth over that he cemented his position in cricket history.
Hitting a decent length outside off with his first ball, he dragged Smith, who was opening for the first time in Tests, into play, and the thick edge was superbly held by third slip.
He became the 23rd bowler in men’s Test history to take a wicket with his first ball. And the second West Indian to do so following Tyrell Johnson against England at The Oval in 1939.
Another club member participates in this test: Nathan Lyon scored with his first delivery on debut against Sri Lanka in 2011.
Joseph, from Guyana’s tiny community of Baracara, was one of three debutants on the West Indies team. Along with Kavem Hodge and Justin Greaves.
He made an impression last year during the West Indies A tour of South Africa, when he took 12 wickets.
“I first met him live last year, when the West Indies were playing in Guyana. I saw him in the nets, and he hustles, bustles, and really comes at you.”
Ian Bishop told ESPNcricinfo prior to the Australia series. “There’s a lot of high hopes for him because of his attitude and his physical capabilities.”
Read Also: BCCI granted Indian star Virat Kohli permission to attend the Ram Temple opening on January 22