In a dazzling debut during the West Indies’ first Test against Australia in Adelaide, Shamar Joseph, a 24-year-old fast bowler with just five first-class matches to his name, etched his name in cricket history. Known for his hustle and bustle on the field, Joseph made an impact on the opening day by contributing 36 runs in a last-wicket partnership of 55 with Kemar Roach.
However, it was the ninth over of Australia’s innings that truly defined Joseph’s entry into Test cricket. With his very first ball, he bowled a perfect length outside off, enticing Steven Smith – opening for the first time in Tests – into a shot that resulted in a thick edge, expertly caught at third slip. This extraordinary feat made Joseph the 23rd bowler in men’s Tests to take a wicket with his first ball, and notably, only the second West Indian to achieve this since Tyrell Johnson in 1939.
Shamar Joseph hails from the quaint village of Baracara in Guyana and was one of three debutants in the West Indies’ side, alongside Kavem Hodge and Justin Greaves. His impressive performance in West Indies A’s tour of South Africa last year, where he secured 12 wickets, had already marked him as a player to watch.
Notably, another member of the “first-ball wicket” club, Nathan Lyon, is also participating in this Test, having achieved the feat on debut against Sri Lanka in 2011. Ian Bishop had previously expressed high hopes for Joseph, praising his attitude and physical capabilities, making him a rising star in West Indies cricket.
