Rising star Shamar Joseph made an electric home Test debut for West Indies as the picked up a five-wicket haul on the opening day of the second match against South Africa in Guyana on Thursday. Having already made a promising start to his Test career in Australia, the right-arm pacer continues to polish his reputation.
After Jayden Seales jolted South Africa with the early dismissal of Tony de Zorzi, Joseph left them wobbling with two blows in the space of three deliveries sending back Aiden Markram and captain Temba Bavuma cheaply.
He then added the scalps of David Bedingham, Keshav Maharaj and Kyle Verreynne to complete his fifer, finishing with bowling figures of 5/33 from 14 overs.
A 5️⃣fer on home soil! Absolute bliss for Shamar!🏏🔥#WIvSA #MenInMaroon pic.twitter.com/dONCWEQyKa
— Windies Cricket (@windiescricket) August 15, 2024
Thanks to Joseph’s starring role, South Africa were bowled out for 160 in 54 overs after having opted to bat first at the Providence Stadium.
Speaking after the innings break, the 24-year-old was elated at having taken his third five-wicket haul in just the sixth Test match of his career.
“I think it’s a great feeling, especially at home. Taking another five-wicket haul is a great feeling for me. To be fair I haven’t played many games at Providence. But I just did what the team needed and what I was supposed to bowl,” Joseph said.
“It’s a great feeling, with mom, dad and siblings here. I think Jason Holder will bowl very well tomorrow and then Jomel Warrican and myself. It’s all about the support. Going out there and supporting the senior batsman Jason,” he added.
However, West Indies are in danger of handing back the advantage to South Africa after they were left struggling following a batting collapse of their own.
At the close of play on Day 1, the hosts were 97/7, trailing South Africa by 63 runs. Wiaan Mulder led a strong response from the tourists with 4/18 from six overs while Nandre Burger took two wickets and Keshav Maharaj one.