West Indies debutant fast bowler Shamar Joseph has secured a place in cricket history by becoming the second bowler from his country to claim a wicket on his very first ball in Test cricket. Joseph now joins the ranks of the 23rd bowler overall in Test cricket history to achieve this remarkable milestone. His significant moment came on the opening day of the first Australia vs West Indies Test in Adelaide when he dismissed Australia's new opener, Steve Smith, one of the cricketers he admires the most.
The only other West Indies bowler to achieve this feat was Tyrell Johnson, who accomplished it in 1939 at the Oval in England. Reflecting on his dream start, the West Indies debutant openly shared his emotions with reporters after the end of the first day, expressing admiration for Steve Smith and stating, “I really love Steve Smith, the way he plays and goes about his cricket. And getting Steve Smith, I’ll remember this for the rest of my life. I will actually take a picture and take it home and post it in my house.”
Steve Smith Dismissal on Debut
Shamar's journey to Test cricket is noteworthy even before this debut. Hailing from Baracara, a small village in Guyana, accessible only through a five-hour boat ride, he had not played a first-class match until February of the previous year. Describing his upbringing, Shamar noted the financial challenges but emphasized a life filled with easy sustenance through fishing and agriculture. Despite the difficulties, he expressed gratitude for the beauty of Baracara, where one would never suffer.
“It wasn’t financially stable, but you never miss a meal a day because you go fishing, [and] you plant your greens. So starvation wasn’t on our list. But you have to work to maintain yourself and your family. So growing up in Baracara, it’s a beautiful place. You will never suffer in Baracara because there’s always an easy life to make up there,” he said further.
The 24-year-old continued to make an impact by claiming the wicket of Cameron Green on Day 2 of the AUS vs WI Test. Despite being struck for consecutive fours by Green, he managed to get Green nick the fifth delivery of the over to the wicket-keeper. This marked his third significant wicket on his debut after bagging the crucial wickets of Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne.