'Let the ball do the talking' -- that would have been Shamar Joseph's mind as he marked his run up against Australia in the opening Test of the series at Kensington Oval, Bridgetown. Shamar, who was responsible for West Indies' famous Gabba win, had fire in his belly after Australia's legendary wicketkeeper-batter Ian Healy said "you've delivered crap all year" about Joseph. Healy launched a scathing attack as Shamar had said "Just look out, that's all" about Australia's young opener Sam Konstas. Interestingly, it did not take much for Shamar to prove whey he made that statement as he got Konstas wicket early with the new ball.
"He’s had a terrible year since he went through us at the Gabba. He had this toe that had blown up and didn’t think he could play, he got out of his injury bed after someone said just come down and try it, and then he realised ‘oh you can play with pain. Shamar has come out today and said to Konstas’ just look out and watch what is coming’," said Healy on SENQ Breakfast show.
"Okay Shamar well you’ve delivered crap all year. So he better improve, that’s what I’m saying in the dressing room. He’s got real trouble. You’re not Curtly Ambrose, champ," he added.
Shamar on a roll
On June 24, Shamar needed just five deliveries to get rid of Konstas. A sharp seamed in delivery hit him on the pads. Shamar opted for DRS after umpire shook his head and got the wicket. In the same over, Australia's new no.3, Cameron Green's catch was dropped. Then, Usman Khawaja's catch was dropped as well. But, Joseph was relentless. In his fifth over, Green pushed at a delivery and was caught at second slip by Justin Greaves. Green's troubles continued on international comeback as he returned after scoring just three runs.
In the second session, Shamar finally got the wicket of Khawaja who got plenty chances to capitalise after dropped catches. Shamar bowled a short delivery, Khawaja went for a ball but could manage an under edge. He was caught by wicketkeeper Shai Hope. In his 12th over, he came up with a peach of a delivery to leave Beau Webster squared up and the bails down on the ground.
Shamar denied fifer by controversial decision
Shamar would have completed his fifer had it not been for a controversial decision by the fourth umpire. Head was caught behind but the lack of angles led to fourth umpire giving the Australian batter benefit of the doubt. There was doubt over whether the ball has directly entered the keeper's gloves or bounced just in front. But Head fell to Justin Greaves shortly. On the other end, Jayden Seales wreaked havoc as Australia were bowled out for 180. Joseph bowled a total of 16 overs including three maidens, conceded 46 runs and claimed four wickets.
"(Shamar) Joseph has been special for us. He loves performing against Australia. Made the job easier for us," Seales said after Day 1's play.
So far, Shamar has a bowling average of 15.94 against Australia in Tests, the best for West Indies since Gerry Gomez (14.22) in 1952 among bowlers who have taken at least 10 wickets.