In a spectacular turn of events at ‘The Gabba,’ emerging pace sensation Shamar Joseph orchestrated a historic comeback for the West Indies, clinching a remarkable 7-wicket haul to breach Australia’s fortress after 27 years. The Gabba, renowned for its impregnability, witnessed a gripping encounter as the visitors scripted a memorable victory in a closely contested match. While Australia seemed on course for a series whitewash with a target of 216 runs, Joseph’s sensational performance flipped the script in the final innings.
Playing only his second Test and recovering from a toe-crushing injury sustained on Day 3, Joseph’s determined spell of 7/68 marked his name in the annals of Gabba history. Former West Indies captain Carl Hooper, overwhelmed with emotions, shed tears of joy in the commentary box. Another cricketing legend, Brian Lara, shared the sentiment, expressing his elation on air. Recognizing the 27-year gap since West Indies last conquered Australia at The Gabba, Lara commended the inexperienced yet triumphant West Indies team.
What it means to Carl Hooper! @abcsport #AUSvWI pic.twitter.com/5TlnhWezRS
— Ben Cameron (@BenCameron23) January 28, 2024
Another legendary cricketer, Brian Lara, shared his elation on air, acknowledging the monumental achievement of defeating Australia at their fortress after nearly three decades. Lara praised the young and inexperienced West Indies team for standing tall and delivering a remarkable performance.
“This is unbelievable. Twenty-seven years to beat Australia. Young, inexperienced, written off – this West Indies team can stand tall today. West Indies cricket can stand tall. Today is a big day in West Indies cricket. Congratulations to every member of that cricket team. What a wonderful occasion,” an emotional teary-eyed Lara told Fox Sport.
The 3 Kings…@gilly381 @BrianLara #Smithy
❤️ test cricket…@FoxCricket pic.twitter.com/rQBxho9z3B— Mark Howard (@MarkHoward03) January 28, 2024
Clocking speeds around 150 km/h, Joseph dismissed Cameron Green and Travis Head with precision. Mitchell Marsh and Alex Carey also fell victim to his sheer pace, while Mitchell Starc became the final wicket to complete Joseph’s memorable five-wicket haul. The collapse culminated in Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon’s efforts falling short, and West Indies leveled the series with a historic victory.
Steve Smith, the veteran Australian batter, showcased resilience with an unbeaten 91 but fell short of steering his team to victory. Joseph’s relentless pace and accuracy rattled the Australian batting lineup, claiming crucial wickets. Cameron Green (42), Travis Head (0), Mitchell Marsh (10), Alex Carey (2), and Mitchell Starc (21) succumbed to Joseph’s fiery deliveries.
The young Guyanese completed a memorable five-wicket haul in just two Tests, including a redemption wicket against Starc. As Australia’s hopes dwindled, Smith’s valiant efforts to hold one end proved insufficient.
Skipper Pat Cummins, fresh from his career-best 64* in the first innings, failed to support Smith’s counter-attack. Nathan Lyon (9) and Josh Hazlewood succumbed to Joseph’s pace, sealing a historic win for the West Indies. The series leveled at 1-1, the spirited West Indies team defied expectations and overcame the odds at The Gabba, leaving an indelible mark on Test cricket history.
