In a dramatic turn of events during the second Test match against West Indies at Brisbane's Gabba, Australian batter Travis Head faced the unfortunate fate of a King Pair. This rare occurrence in Test cricket unfolded on Sunday, 28 January, when Head was bowled out by Shamar Joseph in the second innings. He joins a select group of Australian players, including Adam Gilchrist (Kolkata 2001 against India) and Ryan Harris (Adelaide 2010 against England), to have experienced this dubious distinction. Earlier in the match, Head was dismissed by Kemar Roach in his first innings.
A King Pair in Test cricket refers to a player being dismissed for a golden duck in both innings of a match, whereas a golden duck signifies being out on the very first ball faced in an innings.
The second Test saw a remarkable comeback from the West Indies on Day 4. Starting the day with a defense of just 156 runs, young pacer Shamar Joseph devastated the Australian middle order. He notably claimed the wickets of Cameron Green and Travis Head in quick succession, even coming close to a hat-trick against Steve Smith.
Joseph's performance was all the more commendable considering he had to retire hurt on Day 3 after a painful toe injury caused by a delivery from Mitchell Starc. Despite the agony, Joseph returned on Day 4 with a vengeance, claiming key wickets including those of Cameron Green, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, and Alex Carey, thereby putting the Australian team under considerable pressure. At the latest update, Australia stood at 187/8, still needing 29 runs to secure victory at the time of dinner break on Day 4.
This Test match is significant for West Indies, as they seek their first Test win on Australian soil since 1997. Their spirited performance, particularly from their young fast bowler Shamar Joseph, has brought them close to ending this long drought in Australia.
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