Windies win in Australia for first time since 1997

Jago News Desk Published: 28 January 2024, 03:40 PM
Windies win in Australia for first time since 1997
Photo: Getty Images via BBC

Shamar Joseph took seven wickets as West Indies won a Test in Australia for the first time since 1997.

The tourists held their nerve in a thrilling finish to win by eight runs, and ensure a drawn two-match series.

Fast bowler Joseph, who hobbled off in tears 24 hours earlier after being injured while batting, finished with 7-68 in Brisbane.

Steve Smith (91) carried his bat for Australia, who lost their first day-night Test match.

Joseph, who quit his job as a security guard just 18 months ago, found plenty of pace at the Gabba to rip through the Australian batting order.

He needed treatment before play - at one stage he considered not even travelling to the ground for day four - but recovered to bowl almost 12 match-winning overs.

Australia had cruised to 113-2 when Joseph bowled Cameron Green (42) and Travis Head in consecutive deliveries.

Despite Smith standing firm, Joseph worked his way through the Australian batting card before completing his side's first Test victory against Australia anywhere in the world since 2003 when he cleaned up Josh Hazlewood.

"Tears would have come to my eyes but I already cried when I got my five-wicket haul [in the first Test]," said Joseph, who was named both man of the match and man of the series.

"It's just happiness, when was the last time we won in Australia? I can't even remember. Today's a big day for us.

"I feel like we win the series even though it's 1-1."

The two teams will play three one-day internationals and three T20s next.

Source: BBC