Rising cricket star Shamar Joseph made a spectacular home Test debut for the West Indies, capturing the spotlight with a fine five-wicket haul on the opening day of the second Test against South Africa in Guyana on Thursday. The day began with Jayden Seales striking an early blow for South Africa, sending out Tony de Zorzi. But Joseph was the one to stamp West Indies’ real authority on proceedings. In what must have been a truly exhilarating exhibition of pace and precision, Joseph rattled South Africa’s top order, with two very important scalps coming within three deliveries of each other.
Joseph did not just stop there, as he went on to claim the wickets of David Bedingham, Keshav Maharaj, and Kyle Verreynne to wrap up a five-wicket haul, finishing with an impressive 5/33 from 14 overs. He played a major role in bowling out South Africa for a lowly total of 160 all out in just 54 overs after they had elected to bat first at the Providence Stadium.
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At the break, a beaming 24-year-old spoke of his delight at taking his third five-wicket haul in only his sixth Test. “It’s an amazing feeling, especially doing it at home”, Shamar Joseph said. “Taking another five-wicket haul is something special for me. I haven’t played much here in Providence, but I just knew what the team required of me.”
A 5️⃣fer on home soil! Absolute bliss for Shamar!🏏🔥#WIvSA #MenInMaroon pic.twitter.com/dONCWEQyKa
— Windies Cricket (@windiescricket) August 15, 2024
Shamar Joseph also marked out the emotional significance of the occasion, with his family present to see him receive the award. “It’s great having my mom, dad and siblings here to see this. I think Jason Holder will bowl well tomorrow and with Jomel Warrican and myself, it’s all about supporting each other and doing our best for the team,” he said.
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By the close of play on Day 1, despite Sharma Joseph’s heroics, West Indies were in a precarious position. They had a promising start, then they fell to a batting collapse; day one ended with them at 97/7, trailing South Africa by 63 runs. It was the impressive Wiaan Mulder, with his haul of 4/18 from six overs, who did much damage to the West Indians’ batting lineup in their fightback for South Africa.
