Australia 283 (Head 119, S Joseph 5-94) and 26 for 0 beat West Indies 188 (McKenzie 50, Cummins 4-41, Hazlewood 4-44) and 120 (Hazlewood 5-35) by 10 wickets
The days of Test matches are getting shorter and shorter. India wrapped up its match within two days and now Australia did the same in three days before lunch winning the Test match by 10 wickets against the famed West Indies who are known to decimate opponents around the same duration. But, now the days of 5-days Tests seems to be numbered.
This match is full of records with first of all Shamar Joseph of West Indies (WI) gets the credit of getting the wicket of Steve Smith off the first ball in Test cricket. Another name comes to mind is Josh Hazelwood who grabbed his career-best 4-44 and 5-35 (10-89) in a Test.
Shamar Joseph showed his batting prowess at No. 11, which will surely mean a promotion in the near future, as he and Kemar Roach added 26 for the last wicket to follow the 55 they put on in the first innings.
Shamar Joseph was introduced a bit late in the second innings and produced a lifter when Australia was just 14 runs away from victory, struck Khwajah and clattered into his helmet around the jaw area as he tried to sway out of the line. With Khwajah retired hurt, Australia were just 4 runs away from the milestone, Marnus Labuschagne hit the winning runs. In more ways than one, Shamar Joseph had left an indelible mark on his debut.
With all big names back to the pavilion, it was hard hitting 119 by ever reliable Travis Head who stemmed the rot after six wickets fell for 150 odd runs in the first innings to go past West Indies modest total of 188. Head was rightly named player of the match.
Despite 26 wickets falling in two days, West Indies coach Andre Coley did not think the pitch was overly challenging for the batters and instead lamented his side’s decision-making despite showing good intent.
According to the captain Kraigg Brathwaite, the performances of Shamar Joseph and Kirk McKenzie in Adelaide should give their WI team-mates the confidence that they can perform against Australia.
McKenzie made his maiden half-century in just his second Test match. He was one of only two players in the entire match to pass 50 on a difficult Adelaide Oval pitch. He looked comfortable in both innings against Australia’s attack, which bowled superbly throughout.
Brathwaite had further praise for Joseph’s all-round performance, particularly his bowling.
- This report first appeared in the Indian Subcontinent Times (IST), Sydney, Australia on January 19, 2024.
