West Indies have lost their mojo in International Cricket. They have been doing better in T20I cricket and most of their cricketers have been playing in T20 leagues all around the world. Also, they have won T20I World Cup as well. But in Test Cricket, ever since, Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Brain Lara retired, they aren’t being able to find similar level of players to compete at International level.
Hence, they have been written off in this recent Australia Test series as well. In the first Test, they have been blown away by Aussies. But Shamar Joseph with a resilient performance scripted history for West Indies by winning a Test in Australia, that too, at Gabba – Brisbane, the fort for Aussies. In 27 years, this is their first Test win on Australian soil. Even Brian Lara, while commentating about the game, got emotional after winning.
Shamar Joseph took 7/68 in the second innings giving West Indies a win by 8 runs. Australia never lost in day – night Test matches in Australia, ever since they started playing. So, West Indies has created a huge record in this aspect as well. West Indies won the toss and elected to bat first. They scored 311, with the help of Joshua Da Silva(79), Kavem Hodge(71) and Kevin Sinclair(50).
Australia shocked everyone by declaring at 289/9 when Pat Cummins is still not out on 64. Usman Khawaja(75) and Alex Carey(65) helped team recover from 5-54. Alzarri Joseph(4/84) and Kemar Roach(3/47) have triggered fighting spirit in West Indies. Later, they have managed to score 193 in the second innings. Shamar Joseph due to toe injury had to be retired hurt while batting.
He took medication to play in the second innings. While at one end, Steven Smith has been guiding Australia with a 91-run innings, Shamar Joseph kept taking wickets at regular intervals. Cameron Green(42) and Mitchell Starc(21) did give support but Australia could not score 216 runs required to win due to Joseph’s spell. Hope this will resurge their confidence to compete at highest level consistently.