The young West Indian pace sensation celebrated his debut on home ground Test with an amazing five-wicket haul on Day 1 of the second Test that was played against South Africa in Guyana on Thursday August 15. The 24-year-old missed the first match of the series but came in for the second and final Test (the deciding one) instead of fellow pacer Kemar Roach.
To kick-sheet a procession, Shamar Joseph broke the Proteas batting line-up with important wickets of opener Aiden Markram and skipper Temba Bavuma in one over. Then he also removed well-set David Bedingham for 28 and then his fourth wicket by dismissing Keshav Maharaj for a two-ball duck.
By cleaning up Kyle Verreynne with 21 runs, who is wicket-keeper, Joseph had finally completed his five fer and he was off celebrating with everyone else who might have been happy. You can watch the video here:
A 5️⃣fer on home soil! Absolute bliss for Shamar!🏏🔥#WIvSA #MenInMaroon pic.twitter.com/dONCWEQyKa
— Windies Cricket (@windiescricket) August 15, 2024
Joseph has extraordinarily commenced his Test career by achieving his third five-wicket haul within six matches. Earlier this year, he recorded figures of a debut Test match against Australia as 5/94 in Adelaide.
In the final innings of the second Test held in Brisbane, Joseph took an exceptional 7/68 to guide West Indies to a renowned 8-wicket victory that allowed them to draw level with the visiting country by one all after two Tests (at that moment). Now, at just six Tests old Joseph has taken twenty-two wickets at a wonderful average of twenty-three point five zero.
West Indies Struggles Despite Shamar Joseph’s Heroic Performance
Despite South Africa being reduced to 97/9 in the first innings of the second Test, thanks to some fast bowling of Shamar Joseph. The West Indies found themselves in the unfortunate situation by the end of that day.
However, due to a 63-run last wicket partnership between Dane Piedt and Nandre Burger, Proteas stretched their first innings score to 160. The South African bowlers brought havoc on home batters as they reduced them to an unfortunate 56/6 in their first essay.
The West Indies showed some resistance through former skipper Jason Holder alongside spinner Gudakesh Motie as the duo accumulated a total of 41 runs together for the 7th wicket. However, the latter perished at what eventually became the last ball of the day which resulted in closing time with the hosts at 97/7 at stumps on Day One; this was 63 runs less than what the South African first innings total stood at.
Jayden Seales, Nandre Burger and Wiaan Mulder reigned supreme on a day dictated by fast bowlers who took 15 out of 17 wickets that fell throughout the match. They had impressive figures of 3,2 and 4 respectively.
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