Former Indian batting legend Sachin Tendulkar reminded everyone about the excitement and flair the longest format of cricket still contains after seeing West Indies pacer Shamar Joseph scripting a historic Pink ball Test win in Australia after a long time to equalize the Test series by 1-1.
Shamar Joseph was taking part in his debut Test series at the land down under and he became a key element for the West Indies’ youthful squad which was originally aiming to clinch a first-ever Test series win against the World Champions for the first time since 1992/93.
However, that did not happen after the visitors lost the 1st Test in Adelaide by 10 wickets and they had very minimal chances of even thinking about equaling the series. It was touted to become even more difficult for them to get a positive result given the 2nd Test was a pink ball day-night Test match.
However, the West Indies team came out with a very lethal mindset for the match and they reflected it right from the start. After suffering a dramatic middle-order collapse which saw them getting reduced to 64/5 before Joshua Da Silva and Kevin Sinclair handled the situation.
The duo took West Indies from 64 to 213 before Da Silva departed for 79. Then Alzarri Joseph’s quickfire 32 off 22 and Sinclair’s 50 off 98 helped the visitors post 311 in the 1st innings. Then Australia would declare for 289 before the visitors posted 193 and set up a target of 216 for the Aussies.
West Indies’ total could have increased if Shamar Joseph had not retired hurt after enduring a toe-crushing yorker from Mitchell Starc. Joseph’s participation was also pretty doubtful due to his injured toe but he returned to help the team just like a true team man does.
Right after Alzarri Joseph and Justin Greaves provided the breakthroughs of Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne, Shamar did not waste much time in joining the party. He came and took back-to-back wickets of Cameron Green and Travis Head before claiming Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey, Mitchell Starc, and Pat Cummins to reduce Australia to 175/8.
Steve Smith was set for a sensational century as Australia’s new Test opener but his desire was shortened by the man of the moment Shamar Joseph who claimed Josh Hazlewood’s wicket with a clean bowled and went off to take a round of the outfield in Gabba.
“This Is The Format That Truly Challenges”, Sachin Tendulkar Opines While Praising Shamar Joseph
After the series remained a 1-1 draw, the entire cricketing fraternity showered respect and appreciation to the brave character of Shamar Joseph and Sachin Tendulkar hopped on as well. The 50-year-old legendary figure stated that Test cricket still remains as the most exciting and challenging format which well and truly tests a player’s resolve before calling Joseph the architect for this famous win.
“Shamar Joseph’s remarkable spell to claim 7 wickets highlights the sheer grit and drama of Test cricket. This is the format that truly challenges and showcases a player’s mettle. A key architect in scripting a historic victory for the West Indies in Australia after 27 years.” – Tendulkar wrote on X.
Shamar Joseph's remarkable spell to claim 7 wickets highlights the sheer grit and drama of Test cricket. This is the format that truly challenges and showcases a player's mettle. A key architect in scripting a historic victory for the West Indies in Australia after 27 years.… pic.twitter.com/RUP7UmOW6W
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) January 28, 2024