After dismissing South Africa for 160, West Indies themselves crumbled to 97/7 by the end of Day 1.
Joseph made a memorable debut in Test cricket on home soil with a five-wicket haul, but South Africa responded strongly as 17 wickets fell on a dramatic first day of the second and final Test on Thursday. Fast bowler Joseph’s impressive figures of five for 33 helped bowl out the Proteas for 160 after they chose to bat first. However, seamer Wiaan Mulder struck back with outstanding figures of four for 18, leaving the West Indies struggling at 97 for seven by the close of play.
Joseph Shines as West Indies Struggle at 97/7 Against South Africa
After dismissing South Africa for 160, West Indies found themselves in trouble, collapsing to 97/7 by stumps on Day 1. In his first Test match on home soil, Joseph delivered an impressive performance, taking five wickets, but South Africa responded strongly as 17 wickets fell on a thrilling opening day of the second and final Test on Thursday.
Joseph’s five for 33 was instrumental in dismantling the Proteas after they opted to bat. However, seamer Wiaan Mulder struck back with remarkable figures of four for 18, leaving the West Indies struggling at the close of play.
Joseph, who had been left out of the rain-affected drawn first Test in Trinidad, rediscovered the form and energy that marked his debut series in Australia back in January. There, he famously led the West Indies to their first Test victory in Australia in 27 years, taking seven wickets on the final day of the second Test in Brisbane.
After a disappointing two-match series in England last month, where he appeared out of form and lacking match fitness, the Guyanese pacer made a strong comeback. Coming on as the first-change bowler on a steamy morning at the South American venue, Joseph immediately made an impact, reminding everyone of his talent and potential.
About Shamar Joseph
Joseph (born August 31, 1999) is a cricketer from Guyana who plays for the Guyana team in first-class cricket and represents the West Indies in international matches. He is a right-arm fast bowler. Joseph made his international debut for the West Indies in January 2024 against Australia at the Adelaide Oval. Before becoming a professional cricketer, he worked as a security guard.
Shamar Joseph’s life story is one of determination and rising through challenges. Born on August 31, 1999, in Guyana, he developed a passion for cricket from a young age. Despite facing difficulties, he worked hard to pursue his dream of playing professional cricket.
Before making it to the big leagues, Joseph had to support himself by working as a security guard. Balancing his job with his love for cricket, he continued to hone his skills as a fast bowler. His perseverance paid off when he was selected to play for the Guyana team in first-class cricket.
Joseph’s talent and hard work eventually caught the attention of selectors, leading to his international debut for the West Indies in January 2024 against Australia at the Adelaide Oval. As a right-arm fast bowler, he quickly made an impact, showcasing his ability to take wickets and play at the highest level.
His journey from a security guard to an international cricketer is an inspiring example of how dedication and resilience can lead to success, even when the odds are stacked against you. Shamar Joseph’s story is still unfolding, and his future in cricket looks bright.
Shamar Joseph Initial Career:
Before starting his cricket career, Shamar Joseph worked alongside his siblings and father in the logging industry. They would cut down and chop logs in Baracara and then transport the timber down the Canje River to New Amsterdam. After a close call with a falling tree that nearly struck him, Joseph decided to leave Baracara and move to New Amsterdam in search of work to support his family.
In New Amsterdam, Joseph initially found work in construction as a laborer. He later became a security guard at Amalgamated Security Services in Scotiabank, New Amsterdam. His job required long 12-hour shifts, both day and night, which left him little time for cricket. However, with the encouragement of his fiancée, Joseph eventually decided to quit his job and fully pursue his cricketing dreams.
International Career of Shamar Joseph:
In December 2023, Shamar Joseph was named as one of the seven uncapped players in the West Indies Test squad for the tour of Australia as part of the 2023–2025 ICC World Test Championship. He made his Test debut at the Adelaide Oval on January 17, 2024, in the first Test of the two-match series against Australia. His impressive bowling spells in the warm-up match at the Karen Rolton Oval against the Cricket Australia XI earned him a spot in the first Test of the series.
During his debut, Joseph came in at number 11 in the first innings for the West Indies and scored 36 runs off 41 deliveries. He formed a crucial last-wicket partnership of 55 runs with Kemar Roach, helping the West Indies reach a total of 188. His score was the highest by a West Indian number 11 batsman on Test debut.
Joseph’s debut continued to impress when he took a wicket with the very first delivery of his Test career, dismissing Australian opener Steve Smith for 12 runs. This achievement made him only the second West Indies bowler to take a wicket with his first delivery in Test cricket, following Tyrell Johnson. He also dismissed Marnus Labuschagne in the same match.
On January 18, 2024, Joseph took his first five-wicket haul in Test cricket during his debut match, becoming the tenth West Indian cricketer to achieve this milestone on debut. He also became the second bowler in Test cricket history, after Nathan Lyon, to take a wicket with the first ball of his Test career and secure a five-wicket haul in the same innings. Additionally, he became the first West Indies player to score over 50 runs and take a five-wicket haul on Test debut. Despite the West Indies losing the first match by ten wickets, Joseph’s performance made him a fan favorite.
In his second Test match against Australia on January 28, 2024, Joseph picked up eight wickets, including a remarkable second-innings spell of 7/68 in 11.5 overs, leading the West Indies to a thrilling victory by eight runs. His efforts spearheaded the West Indies’ bowling attack, securing their first Test win in Australia in 27 years. Despite injuring his toe while batting, Joseph took the final wicket of the match by dismissing Josh Hazlewood, sealing a historic victory for the West Indies. His performance drew praise from commentators like Ian Bishop, who described it as “a real dream come true for ‘Joseph the Deliverer’ and for the West Indies.”
Joseph was awarded the Player of the Series for his outstanding bowling throughout the series, taking a total of 13 wickets. He became the first West Indies player to receive the Player of the Series award in his debut Test series and the eleventh overall to achieve such a feat.
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