The visiting West Indies suffered an 87-run defeat in the first Test against South Africa at Supersport Park in Centurion recently. However, several special moments took place in this match.
Accordingly, West Indies keeper Joshua Da Silva made history during the first Test match against South Africa as he equaled the world record for most dismissals in a men’s Test innings.
The Windies keeper took seven catches in the second innings, which is the joint-most dismissals in Test innings by a keeper for West Indies, and tied with Ridley Jacobs’ performance against Australia in 2000.
Furthermore, Da Silva also became the fifth keeper in the world to have seven dismissals in a single Test inning, joining the ranks of Wasim Bari, Bob Taylor, Ian Smith, and Ridley Jacobs.
His outstanding performance behind the stumps played a crucial role in helping West Indies restrict South Africa to just 116 runs in the second innings, which set up a target of 247 runs for the visitors to win the first Test match.
TT RED Force coach David Furlonge and former Indies wicketkeeper David Williams said the West Indies gloveman is reaping the rewards for his dedication to his craft.
Williams, who has worked with several national teams as a coach at the TT Cricket Board, said he was proud of Silva.
“It is a hell of an achievement. Seven dismissals don’t come on a regular basis and to take that amount of dismissals in one inning is a fantastic achievement.”
Williams, who has worked with da Silva for a while with the Red force, emphasized that he is a very hard worker.
“Tribute to the hard work that Josh has put in over the years and now he is kind of reaping the awards.”
Also, he added,
“It is a job that you are getting paid to do because it is difficult, you have to concentrate on every ball. Once you catch the ball it is time for you to relax…and then re-focus again when the next ball is going to be bowled.”
Also, he expects an improvement in Silva’s fielding and batting.
“We are hoping he will go on to make more runs, but his keeping is up to standard and it is really good to see him having that achievement.”
Hoverer, Da Silva has scored 797 runs in 21 Tests at an average of 27.48. It includes one century and three fifties.
Apart from that, RED Force coach David Furlonge also said that Silva’s wicket-keeping skills have improved a lot but batting should be the focus.
“His wicket-keeping skills has improved greatly…he has been working hard. Congratulations to him on his achievement. He needs to be a little more consistent with the bat, which I think he knows, but his wicket-keeping has come along. He has taken some amazing catches.”
In the two-match Test series against Zimbabwe last month, Gabriel took 161 wickets, passing Ian Bishop. TT coach spoke about him,
“Shannon I think is someone who thoroughly deserves whatever he gets. He is a hard worker and again congratulations to Shannon.”
Furlonge believes Gabriel, 34, can still contribute more to the game.
“Hopefully he could go on to get a few more Test wickets and hopefully he even gets some more wickets for TT. We certainly need his assistance, so hopefully he comes back and plays for TT and we can be successful in the Regional Four-Day (Championships).”