Shamar Joseph leaves Brian Lara in tears after bowling West Indies to shock Test win over Australia

Injured pace bowler Shamar Joseph produced a stunning spell of fast bowling to lead the West Indies to one of the greatest upsets in Test history to stun Australia by eight runs in Brisbane on Sunday.

The West Indies, who brought an understrength side to Australia for the Test series, gave debuts to four players, including Joseph, in the two Tests.

They were beaten inside three days in Adelaide last week and were expected to suffer a similar fate in the day-night Test in Brisbane.

But after bowling Australia out for 207 in the second session Sunday, the West Indies recorded their first win in Australia since they last tasted victory in Perth in 1997.

"I must say we had two words that inspired us in this Test match, Mr Rodney Hogg said that were 'pathetic and hopeless'."

Kraigg Brathwaite after leading West Indies to a famous victory over the world Test champions at the Gabba.#AUSvWI pic.twitter.com/xekcGZxKR2

— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) January 28, 2024

Joseph was outstanding Sunday, bowling 11.5 overs of hostile pace to finish with 7/68 in just his second Test.

Australia had resumed the day at 60/2 with Steve Smith, who carried his bat for a superb 91 not out, and Cameron Green looking comfortable against Kemar Roach and Alzarri Joseph.

Shamar Joseph, who had to retire hurt after being hit on the toe in the second innings on Saturday night, did not bowl Saturday and only came into the attack 45 minutes into the first session.

Inside the commentary box as Ian Smith and Brian Lara call one of West Indies' greatest Test victories 🎙️

(via @MarkHoward03) #AUSvWI pic.twitter.com/SgTXmyXSSf

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) January 28, 2024

He dismissed Green when the Australian No.4 chopped on, then bowled Travis Head with a beautiful yorker, Head's second first-ball duck of the match.

Australia, cruising at 113/2, were suddenly 113/4, although Smith looked unperturbed as he reached his half-century.

However, Joseph struck again when Mitchell Marsh edged to Alick Athanaze at third slip and, although the ball popped out of Athanaze's hands, it went straight to Justin Greaves to leave Australia 132/5, 84 runs from victory.

Alex Carey was next to go, clean bowled by a 145 km/h thunderbolt that crashed into off stump, with Australia 136/6.

Mitchell Starc decided the best path to victory was attack and smashed 21 runs from just 14 balls before trying one big hit too many and holing out to Kevin Sinclair in the covers.

Cummins was next to go, getting an edge to a diving Joshua Da Silva behind the stumps.

After the break, Alzarri Joseph claimed Nathan Lyon caught behind before Shamar Joseph wrapped up the innings when he beat Josh Hazlewood for pace and bowled him through the gate.

What a finish. What a celebration! https://t.co/qnJMLmcYRK

— Windies Cricket (@windiescricket) January 28, 2024

AFP