The Gabba, Australia’s famed cricket fortress, witnessed a historic upset as the West Indies, led by a spirited performance from debutant Shamar Joseph, stunned the mighty Aussies by a narrow margin of eight runs. This thrilling Test win wasn’t just about clinical bowling and nail-biting finishes; it also served up a lighthearted moment between Steve Smith and Joshua Da Silva that’s quickly gone viral.
As Australia chased 216 runs for victory in the second innings, Day 4 saw a tense struggle unfold. While Steve Smith held firm with a valiant 91* off 146 deliveries, his teammates faltered one by one. Cameron Green (42), Travis Head (0), Mitchell Marsh (10), and Alex Carey (2) all fell short, putting immense pressure on the tail.
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But it was Joseph’s exceptional bowling that truly turned the tide. The debutant wreaked havoc with his fiery pace and swing, claiming a staggering seven wickets, including those of Green, Head, Marsh, Carey, Starc, Cummins, and Hazlewood. His performance earned him a well-deserved player-of-the-match award and etched his name in cricket history books.
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Amidst the intense battle, a lighthearted moment provided welcome comic relief. During a drinks break, Smith, perhaps lost in thought, casually rested his bat near the stumps. Unaware, Da Silva inadvertently stepped on the willow, prompting a surprised (and slightly annoyed) reaction from Smith. The incident, captured on camera, quickly went viral, injecting a touch of humor into the high-pressure match.
With the Test series wrapped up, the West Indies now set their sights on the shorter format. They’ll clash with Australia in a three-match ODI series starting on February 2nd, eager to carry the momentum of their historic Gabba victory.
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This Test match was a masterclass in resilience from the West Indies, a testament to the team’s fighting spirit and Joseph’s meteoric rise as a bowling sensation. And while the bat-step may seem like a trivial footnote, it serves as a reminder that even amidst the fiercest competition, there’s always room for a touch of lightheartedness. The cricketing world eagerly awaits the next chapter in this exciting rivalry, as the West Indies look to build on their newfound confidence and Australia seeks redemption in the ODI series.
