Former West Indies fast bowler Ian Bishop has urged the West Indies Cricket Board to provide compensation to Shamar Joseph to avoid burnout after his outstanding performance against Australia at the Gabba.
Joseph was the standout player for West Indies in their nail-biting win over Australia by eight runs in the second and final Test of the series at the Gabba in Brisbane.
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On the social media platform 'X', Bishop emphasised the significance of the West Indies board and the Guyana government compensating Joseph to prevent burnout. Bishop made these remarks in light of various West Indies cricketers, including Nicholas Pooran and Jason Holder, opting to forego central contracts in favour of franchise cricket.
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"Important for the board, Guyana govt & cooperate bodies to find a way to allocate funds to compensate Shamar Joseph & 1 or 2 other fast bowlers to keep them in the Caribbean & control how much cricket they play. Their pace is everything. Don't allow burnout," Bishop posted on 'X'.
Even after enduring a painful toe injury caused by a Mitchell Starc yorker, which nearly forced him out of the game, Joseph showcased remarkable resilience on Day 4.
Facing daunting challenges, Joseph delivered a fierce display of fast bowling, reaching speeds of up to 150 km/h, and dismantled the Australian batting order, finishing with figures of seven for 68.
The collapse commenced when Joseph secured crucial wickets of Cameron Green and Travis Head in successive deliveries, sparking a dramatic batting downfall for Australia.
He proceeded to dismiss Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, and Josh Hazlewood, dismantling the Australian batting lineup.
Joseph amassed 13 wickets in the series and was honored with the title of 'Player of the Series'. Shamar thwarted Australia's hopes of sweeping West Indies in the two-match series by preventing them from chasing down 156 runs with eight wickets in hand at the commencement of Day 4 at the Gabba.
His exceptional seven-wicket haul will be etched in memory as one of the most inspiring individual performances in recent cricket history, highlighting the rise of a new West Indian pace sensation.
West Indies had not secured a Test victory on Australian soil since 1997.
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