Australia got the better of the West Indies by 10 wickets in the first game of a two-match Test series in Adelaide last week.
The tourists played with three debutants in the first Test – Kaven Hodge, Justin Greaves, and Shamar Joseph.
The latter, who is a right-arm pacer from a remote village called Baracara in Guyana, impressed with both bat and ball. After scoring an entertaining 41-ball 36 in the first innings, Joseph picked up a five-for to restrict Australia’s lead to 95.
In the second innings, Joseph scored 15 off just 12 balls. On an individual front, Joseph had a dream start to his international career.
During the press conference after play on Day 1, the youngster spoke about his fondness for legendary Aussie batter Steve Smith, who he had dismissed off his first ball in Test cricket.
“Getting Steve Smith [out]. That is one of my favourite players. To be fair, I really love Steve Smith, the way he plays and goes about his cricket,” Joseph said.
Cricket Australia recently shared a video of Smith and Joseph catching up in Adelaide. In the wholesome interaction, Joseph tells Smith how much he likes him.
The Aussie batter asked the seamer about his home, his age, and his Caribbean Premier League (CPL) experience and also suggested that he should look for a promotion in the batting order.
Shamar Joseph seemed shy during his ‘fanboy’ moment with Steve Smith
Pacer Shamar Joseph looked shy and overwhelmed during the interaction in what must have been a memorable fanboy moment for him. The 24-year-old also received plaudits from experts as well as veteran Aussie pacer Josh Hazlewood. Joseph would be raring to go in the second Test at a venue that is known for its pace and bounce.
The second Test is scheduled to take place at The Gabba in Brisbane, starting on Thursday, January 25.