Legendary batter Brian Lara burst into tears after West Indies ended a 27-year wait for a Test match win in Australia. On Sunday, West Indies defeated Australia by eight wickets in the second and final Test at the Gabba in Brisbane to level the series. Shamar Joseph, who made his debut in the first Test in Perth earlier this month, took seven wickets as West Indies successfully defended a target of 216 to win the Pink-Ball Test. The visitors thus recorded their first win in Australia since they last tasted victory in Perth in 1997.
As the hosts were bowled out for 208 in the second session, former Australia wicketkeeper-batter Adam Gilchrist hugged an emotional Lara as he congratulated him on the win inside the commentary box.
The 3 Kings…@gilly381 @BrianLara #Smithy
test cricket…@FoxCricket pic.twitter.com/rQBxho9z3B
— Mark Howard (@MarkHoward03) January 28, 2024
Joseph was outstanding Sunday, bowling 11.5 overs of hostile pace to finish with 7-68 in just his second Test.
Australia had resumed the day at 60-2 with Steve Smith, who carried his bat for a superb 91 not out, and Cameron Green looking comfortable against Kemar Roach and Alzarri Joseph.
Shamar Joseph, who had to retire hurt after being hit on the toe in the second innings on Saturday night, did not bowl Saturday and only came into the attack 45 minutes into the first session.
He dismissed Green when the Australian No.4 chopped on, then bowled Travis Head with a beautiful yorker, Head’s second first-ball duck of the match.
Australia, cruising at 113-2, were suddenly 113-4, although Smith looked unperturbed as he reached his half-century.
However, Joseph struck again when Mitchell Marsh edged to Alick Athanaze at third slip and, although the ball popped out of Athanaze’s hands, it went straight to Justin Greaves to leave Australia 132-5, 84 runs from victory.
Alex Carey was next to go, clean bowled by a 145 km/h thunderbolt that crashed into off stump, with Australia 136-6.
Mitchell Starc decided the best path to victory was attack and smashed 21 runs from just 14 balls before trying one big hit too many and holing out to Kevin Sinclair in the covers.
Cummins was next to go, getting an edge to a diving Joshua Da Silva behind the stumps.
After the break, Alzarri Joseph claimed Nathan Lyon caught behind before Shamar Joseph wrapped up the innings when he beat Josh Hazlewood for pace and bowled him through the gate.
(With AFP Inputs)
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