‘Historic Moment: Shamar Joseph Dismisses Steven Smith with First Test Ball’

Shamar Joseph, the West Indies fast bowler with just five first-class matches under his belt, started his Test career by removing Steven Smith with his first ball during West Indies’ first Test against Australia in Adelaide. Joseph, 24, had previously impressed on the opening day in Adelaide when he scored 36 runs in a last-wicket stand of 55 with Kemar Roach. However, it was when he took the ball for the ninth over of Australia’s innings that he made history by taking Smith’s wicket with his first delivery. Joseph became the 23rd bowler to take a wicket with his first ball in men’s Tests, and the second West Indian to do so since Tyrell Johnson in 1939. From the small village of Baracara in Guyana, Joseph was one of three debutants included in West Indies’ side for the match. He had previously impressed during West Indies A’s tour of South Africa, claiming 12 wickets. Ian Bishop had high hopes for him, stating, “There’s a lot of high hopes for him because of his attitude and his physical capabilities.”