Injured Shamar Joseph leads Windies to historic win over Australia at The Gabba; celebration video goes viral

In a remarkable turn of events at the Gabba in Brisbane on Sunday, injured pace bowler Shamar Joseph delivered a stunning spell to lead the West Indies to a remarkable eight-run victory over Australia in the second Test.

Sunita Iyer

First Published Jan 28, 2024, 1:12 PM IST | Last Updated Jan 28, 2024, 1:32 PM IST

In a thrilling encounter at the Gabba in Brisbane on Sunday, injured pace bowler Shamar Joseph showcased his prowess with a sensational spell, propelling the West Indies to a remarkable eight-run victory over Australia in the second Test. Joseph, who underwent scans following a toe injury inflicted by a Mitchell Starc yorker on Saturday night, demonstrated immense resilience. Despite his setback, he returned with determination on Sunday, scalping an impressive 7-68 as the West Indies successfully bowled Australia out for 207. This triumph marked the West Indies' first win in Australia since 1997 as they drew the two-match Test series 1-1.

The match, characterized by its Pink Day Test setting, unfolded as a gripping spectacle of skill and strategy. With Australia chasing a target of 216 runs, the stage was set for a nail-biting showdown. The Windies, fueled by Joseph's indomitable spirit, held firm against the Australian onslaught, refusing to yield to pressure.

The defining moment of the match came during the first session of the final day, as Joseph unleashed a devastating spell that rattled the Australian batting line-up. Initially positioned comfortably at 113/2, Australia found themselves in dire straits at 136/6 after Joseph's relentless onslaught. Cameron Green and Travis Head fell victim to Joseph's precision, with Head succumbing to an exquisite yorker for his second first-ball duck of the match. Mitchell Marsh and Alex Carey followed suit, leaving Australia reeling at 132/5.

Joseph's fiery delivery bowled Carey at an impressive 145 km/h, while Mitchell Starc's counter-attack was curtailed by a catch in the covers after a brief surge of 21 runs.

Despite the collapse, Steve Smith displayed resilience, reaching an unbeaten 91. With Australia requiring a further 29 runs for victory at the break and only two wickets in hand, the stage was set for a thrilling final session. Even with Steve Smith standing firm, Shamar Joseph meticulously worked his way through the Australian batting card, demonstrating his prowess with each delivery. His relentless efforts culminated in a historic moment as he cleaned up Josh Hazlewood, securing his side's first Test victory against Australia anywhere in the world since 2003.

The jubilant scenes that followed the Windies' victory reverberated throughout The Gabba, marking a watershed moment in cricketing history. The significance of this triumph extends far beyond the realm of sports, symbolizing the power of perseverance and the triumph of the human spirit.

The gripping contest has left the outcome of the Test finely balanced, with the West Indies eyeing a remarkable upset against the formidable Australian side. Joseph's heroics have not only breathed new life into the West Indies' campaign but also underscored the unpredictable nature of cricket, where resilience and determination often tip the scales in favor of the underdog.

As Shamar Joseph etches his name in the annals of cricketing lore, his remarkable performance serves as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring cricketers worldwide. The Windies' victory at The Gabba stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of West Indian cricket and the unyielding determination of its players.

For the West Indies team and its legion of supporters, this victory represents a long-awaited triumph and a symbol of hope for the future. As the cricketing world celebrates this historic achievement, the legacy of Shamar Joseph and his teammates will endure as a testament to the resilience, fortitude, and unwavering spirit that define the sport of cricket.

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