Former West Indies captain Carl Hooper couldn’t contain his emotions following the Caribbean team’s historic Test victory against Australia at the Gabba in Brisbane on Sunday, January 28. Following a disappointing loss in the first Test in Adelaide the previous week, West Indies mounted an impressive comeback in the second Test. The batting unit exhibited resilience, recovering from a collapse to score 311 runs in the first innings.
The bowling department played a crucial role in limiting the hosts to 289, prompting them to declare their innings. Facing challenging conditions, West Indies could only amass 193 runs in the second innings before being bowled out, establishing a target of 216 for the hosts.
Shamar Joseph, despite grappling with an injury concern, delivered an outstanding spell on Sunday, claiming 7 wickets for 68 runs and courageously leading his side to a remarkable Test victory. This marked the West Indies’ first Test victory against Australia in two decades. Additionally, it was their inaugural triumph in a Test match on Australian turf in 27 years.
Carl Hooper, who was a member of the West Indies playing XI during their previous Test win in Australia in 1997, was visibly emotional after Sunday’s victory.
He was seen shedding tears while celebrating this significant achievement for the West Indies cricket team in Australia after the match. You can watch the video here:
What it means to Carl Hooper! @abcsport #AUSvWI pic.twitter.com/5TlnhWezRS
— Ben Cameron (@BenCameron23) January 28, 2024
“We won a Test match in Australia and that’s a huge moment”- Kraigg Brathwaite
Addressing the post-match presentation, West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite expressed immense joy and pride in his team’s performance. When discussing the victory, he stated:
“We won a Test match in Australia and that’s a huge moment. My message to the group is it’s just the beginning and it has to continue. I am extremely proud as a captain. Rodney Hogg said we are pathetic and hopeless and I would like to ask him are these muscles big enough for him?”
He added:
“Probably an hour before play I knew that Shamar could bowl. The doctor gave him an injection. He is a superstar. The belief is exceptional. This is just the beginning and continue playing with heart. Very proud of the guys.”
“They showed a lot of heart, especially after the first Test. It was good to see Hodge and Josh put up a great show with the bat. Yeah of course, the more Test cricket the batter. I would love more Test cricket for sure.”
The three-game ODI series begins on February 2 in Melbourne.
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