Australia captain Pat Cummins commended Shamar Joseph for his exceptional seven-wicket performance against West Indies and said that they headed into the day with confidence.
Heading into Day 4 of the Gabba Test, Australia needed 156 runs with eight wickets remaining in their pursuit of 216. However, Cummins attributed West Indies' historic eight-run victory to Joseph's inspirational spell. Despite injuring his toe while batting on January 27, Joseph bowled continuously for 11.5 overs and secured figures of seven for 68 in only his second Test, resulting in the two-match Test series being levelled at 1-1.
"[There is] disappointment after a loss [but] that was a fantastic Test match and a fantastic series," Cummins said at the presentation.
“In particular, Shamar, the way he bowled today. He was right up for it and unfortunately, we were not good enough.”
"We were confident coming today. Our efforts yesterday were really good, to have a very low total. [A target of] 200-odd was achievable. [West Indies] had different ideas and bowled beautifully and unfortunately [it was] just a bridge too far."
Steven Smith, opening for the first time in this Test series, remained unbeaten on 91 while wickets fell at the other end. In his previous three innings as Australia's Test opener, he scored 12, 11 not out, and six runs respectively. Despite this, the hosts had high hopes for him, particularly after his unbeaten score of 33 overnight. Smith attempted to lead Australia to victory, and when they were just 20 runs away with one wicket remaining, he daringly played a scoop shot off Alzarri Joseph for a six over fine leg. However, with nine more runs needed, Joseph bowled Josh Hazlewood and sealed the dramatic win.
"Don't think we are surprised [with Smith's innings]," Cummins said.
"[We have] seen it for 15 years from Smithy. He was fantastic. [He] almost dragged us over the line single-handedly at the end."
The two Tests against West Indies mark the conclusion of a lengthy home summer for Australia, during which they played three Tests against Pakistan at the beginning of the year. Their defeat in the day-night Test in Brisbane, their first loss in a pink-ball match, resulted in them concluding the home summer with a record of 4-1.
"We have had the same bowling group for five Test matches for a home summer," Cummins continued.
"Yesterday was 37 degrees, 80-90% humidity. It is a big effort, but you still saw all the boys charging in and doing a great job. Great summer for the group, we can hold our heads high.”
"We have all played enough to know this game humbles you quickly when you think you are on top of the world. You start from 0-0 each game. West Indies were fantastic this week, sometimes you learn the lessons the hard way.”
"They are a great fun to watch. West Indies always had some exciting batters, and pretty awesome celebrations and we saw that a lot this series, and a couple of new quick bowlers. They played fantastically well, one-all a pretty fair result for the series,” the Aussie captain concluded.
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