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Australia v West Indies: All the fallout and analysis from the first Test in Adelaide

Shamar Joseph’s backstory and unforgettable debut was the highlight of the first Test. But, as the West Indies brace for a flood of franchise interest, DANIEL CHERNY looks at what might happen next.

Daniel Cherny and Jordan Pinto
10 min read
January 19, 2024 - 4:31PM
Scary scenes as nasty bouncer floors Usman Khawaja

Pat Cummins has implored authorities to incentivise playing Test cricket as the West Indies brace for first Test hero Shamar Joseph to be flooded with interest from franchise clubs.

Guyanese debutant Joseph was a shining light for the tourists who allowed Australia to retain the once-vaunted Frank Worrell Trophy inside seven sessions with a 10-wicket win at Adelaide Oval.

Having already made 36 from No. 11 in his side’s first innings and taken a five-fer including the wicket of Steve Smith with his first ball in Test cricket, Joseph belted a quickfire 15 to ensure Australia had to bat again on Friday.

He made an impact even in the dying stages of the Test, with his vicious bouncer drawing blood from Usman Khawaja and forcing the Australian opener to retire hurt with scores level.

Somewhat tellingly, Joseph will not head back to the Caribbean after the Test series later this month, instead venturing to the UAE to play for the Dubai Capitals alongside David Warner in the Indian-backed ILT20 competition.

West Indies holds up the ball after taking five wickets on debut in Adelaide Picture: Izhar KHAN / AFP
West Indies holds up the ball after taking five wickets on debut in Adelaide Picture: Izhar KHAN / AFP

That is likely just the tip of the iceberg for a cricketer who has only been bowling with proper gear for a couple of years, can top the 140km/h mark and has shown an ability to tonk.

The Windies have been challenged by the global white-ball circuit for years, with former captain Jason Holder and all-rounder Kyle Mayers ruling themselves out of selection for this series because of franchise commitments.

Windies captain Kraigg Brathwaite said he was optimistic Joseph would want to keep playing the longest format of the game but that the paceman would clearly be in demand.

“Obviously a lot of discussions we’ll have with the management and Shamar because obviously everyone will possibly want him,” Brathwaite said.

“I think we’ve just got to do our best to keep him in a good program and a good structure. So it’s just the balance, just the right balance and that continuous support from the board.

“Nothing’s wrong with playing franchise cricket. Obviously when it when it’s a Test series, obviously you’d love to have your best team. Obviously guys have to make their decision. But I just think we’ve got to do our best in managing, communicating to the players. But I believe those guys have the love, all the guys have the love, but you know some guys have to make decisions, you know for themselves. And we as West Indies, we’ve just got to do our best to support. Everything could always improve for us.”

The young West Indian and his remarkable story was one of the highlights of the first Test. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images
The young West Indian and his remarkable story was one of the highlights of the first Test. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images
Joseph claimed the big scalp of Steve Smith with his first ball. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images
Joseph claimed the big scalp of Steve Smith with his first ball. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images

Cummins – who sits on the board of the Australian Cricketers Association and is on the global player advisory committee with the global player union FICA – downplayed his sway, but said ideally a way would be found to ensure the likes of Joseph played as much Test cricket as possible. Cricket Australia chairman Mike Baird and players boss Todd Greenberg both recently expressed public support for better distribution of world cricket funds to help Test cricket.

“Kind of doesn’t really come into my remit, but you want to make sure that it’s like this week we had 60,000 people turn out,” Cummins said.

“You want to keep incentivising Test cricket because the fans want it especially here in Australia. So yeah, whatever we can do to keep incentivising Tests above some of the other franchises cricket at times. But yeah, I don’t really know how that actually looks in practice.”

Joseph with Smith after the match on Friday. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images
Joseph with Smith after the match on Friday. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images
He was very popular with the Adelaide crowd. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images
He was very popular with the Adelaide crowd. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images

DAY 3 RECAP: ALL THE ACTION AS IT HAPPENED

– Jordan Pinto

11.40AM: TEST ENDS IN DRAMATIC SCENES

The first Test in Adelaide ended in dramatic fashion with Usman Khawaja struck on the jaw by a fiery Shamar Joseph bouncer in the final over, moments before Australia sealed a 10-wicket win.

Steve Smith and Khawaja were out in the middle, chasing 26 runs for victory, after Joseph and fellow West Indian tailender Kemar Roach forced the hosts to bat again – and at the same time made the tenth-wicket partnership the highest averaging against Australia this summer.

But the successful run chase wasn’t without incident as Joseph drew blood, the short delivery appearing to get under the grill of Khawaja’s helmet.

Khawaja passed an initial concussion test post-match, alleviating some of the concern he may be in doubt for what could be his final home Test, starting at the Gabba on Thursday.

But the 37-year-old has been taken for a precautionary scan on his jaw.

With Khawaja retiring hurt, Marnus Labuschagne (1) joined Smith (11) and both were unbeaten as Australia wrapped up the match before lunch on the third day.

Usman Khawaja was hit by a Shamar Joseph bouncer. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images
Usman Khawaja was hit by a Shamar Joseph bouncer. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images
It drew blood and Khawaja was forced to retire hurt. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images
It drew blood and Khawaja was forced to retire hurt. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images

Mitchell Starc joined the wicket-taking party on the third morning, taking the first two wickets of the day, before Adelaide Oval specialist Josh Hazlewood claimed his fifth to finish with match figures of 9/79.

The near 17,000-strong crowd – who turned up knowing the Test might be over before lunch – was at its loudest when Joseph added yet another chapter to a remarkable debut.

The 24-year-old hit Hazelwood to the fence through cover first ball, before clubbing another two boundaries on his way to an entertaining 15 off 12 balls.

He had Smith tying his shoes as he became the first ever player to score 30 and pick up a five-for on Test debut.

Smith would be happy to have seen out the chase but after a first-innings failure, all eyes will again be on Australia’s new opener in Brisbane.

The second and final Test of the series – the first day/night fixture of the summer – starts at the Gabba on Thursday.

Australia’s 10-wicket victory sees it retain the Frank Worrell Trophy.

Josh Hazlewood finished with 5/35 in the second innings. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images
Josh Hazlewood finished with 5/35 in the second innings. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images

11.05AM: AUSSIES CHASING 26 TO WIN

Shamar Joseph has gone again, advancing down the wicket to Nathan Lyon, but he couldn’t connect this time, instead stumped by Alex Carey for 15.

The West Indian debutant – who had Steven Smith tying his shoes – put on 25 with fellow quick Kemar Roach, forcing Australia to bat again.

Steve Smith and Usman Khawaja will back out in the middle, chasing 26 for victory.

Can Joseph entertain the crowd with the ball one last time?

10.45AM: THE HOFF HAS 5!

Make it one to go.

Adelaide Oval specialist Josh Hazlewood has delivered another beauty, clipping the top of Gudakesh Motie’s off-stump with one that jagged back slightly off the wicket.

But next ball, that man again, Shamar Joseph, hit him through cover for four, drawing huge applause from the Adelaide Oval crowd.

Joseph becomes the first player ever to score 30 and pick up a five-for on Test debut.

And the Aussies will bat again!

10.40AM: TWO MORE TO GO

Alzarri Joseph reduced the deficit to one when a slashing top edge went high over the Australian slip cordon for four.

But the next ball he was out nicking to keeper Alex Carey, giving Mitchell Starc his second of the morning.

Two more wickets to go for the Aussies – but it looks like they might have to bat again, anyway.

Albeit chasing a very small total.

10.30AM: ADELAIDE SHOWS UP AGAIN

The Adelaide crowd knew this game could be over in the first hour – but they’ve still turned up.

As play started at 10am local time, there were already a touch under 12,000 fans through the gates.

Can the Windies hold on a little longer for them?

Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins celebrate after their Joshua Da Silva plan worked early on day three. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images
Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins celebrate after their Joshua Da Silva plan worked early on day three. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images

10.15AM: DA SILVA GOES

As Mark Waugh has said more than once on Fox Cricket this Test, Joshua Da Silva is “a compulsive hooker”.

And after he and Alzarri Joseph survived the first 15 minutes, Da Silva, for the second time this match, was caught hooking on the boundary by Josh Hazlewood.

The West Indian wicketkeeper hit it well, but the Aussies had a plan – and they executed it.

Mitchell Starc has his first for the innings and the tourists are seven down and still 11 runs behind.

10AM: HEAD TAKES US THROUGH MASTERCLASS

We’re underway on day three – but no wickets yet!

So, let yesterday’s hero Travis Head take you through his seventh Test century...

9.45AM: DAVID HOOKES TRIBUTE

– With Robert Craddock

Welcome to day three at Adelaide Oval – a sad one for many.

Today marks the 20th anniversary of the passing of David Hookes.

In tribute to the Australian cricket legend, a bat was left resting on the stumps this morning, in the same way Hookes used to leave when he was not out at lunch or tea

Hookes’ old playing mate Wayne Phillips will ring the Keith Bradshaw Bell at the start of play.

Hookes died after being hit by a bouncer outside a hotel where he was drinking with the Victorian team he coached.

Phillips was standing beside Hookes when the punch was thrown. He can still recall the sounds of the punch hitting Hookes and Hookes hitting the ground. It understandably haunted and shattered him.

“He was great to me. He told me off when I needed it. He spoke beautifully to my children. I am looking forward to having a West End in his honour.’’

A bat is pictured leaning on the stumps before start of play in honour of David Hookes. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images
A bat is pictured leaning on the stumps before start of play in honour of David Hookes. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images

9AM: PROTECT THE NECK – OR ELSE

– Daniel Cherny

Australian players have been reminded of their obligations and told not to tamper with their gear amid teething issues related to Cricket Australia’s new policy mandating the use of neck guards in professional cricket.

CA announced in September that the neck guards, which clip onto the back of helmets, would become compulsory for batters facing either fast or medium-pace bowling across Australian professional competitions.

Players risk sanctions by not doing so. The guards are not mandated by the ICC however Australian players are still bound to wear them in international cricket under CA regulations.

The guards came into vogue following the death of Phil Hughes, felled by a bouncer during a Sheffield Shield match at the SCG in 2014.

However despite their protective benefit, several top Aussie players including Usman Khawaja, Steve Smith and David Warner have been reluctant to wear the guards, largely owing to comfort.

Steve Smith wearing a helmet with a neck guard. Smith has been reluctant in the past to wearing the guard. Picture: Mark Evans/Getty Images
Steve Smith wearing a helmet with a neck guard. Smith has been reluctant in the past to wearing the guard. Picture: Mark Evans/Getty Images

Warner donned a helmet at stages during the World Cup that appeared to have its neck guards smaller than usual, while Khawaja has batted with tape around the neck guard region during January’s Tests against Pakistan and the West Indies.

It’s understood CA has reiterated to players that they are supposed to wear the guards and that they should remain intact.

One senior cricket source said that some players had been using ill-fitting small guards on larger helmets.

The protectors vary slightly between manufacturers.

Upon announcing the regulation change, CA head of cricket operations Peter Roach said that players had been consulted through the process of implementing the rules.

“Protecting the head and neck is extremely important in our sport,” Roach said.

“The neck protector product has come a long way in recent years and the decision to make them mandatory comes off the back of a lot of advice and consultation with a wide range of experts and stakeholders.

“We’ve certainly seen over a period of time players wearing them and becoming accustomed to wearing them.”

Smith, who was not using a neck guard when injured by a Jofra Archer bouncer in 2019, was forced to wear a guard during a county stint with Sussex last year, with a match being interrupted until he did so. ECB rules introduced in late 2022 mandate the use of neck guards.

“I’ve tried them before and I tried them the other day when I was batting (in the nets) and I reckon my heart rate went up about 30 or 40 straight away,” Smith said in 2019.

“I just feel claustrophobic. I compare it to being stuck in an MRI scan machine,” Smith added before conceding” “I’m going to have to get used to them.”

“I’m sure the more I wear them, the more I practice with them, my heart rate will come down and everything will be OK.”

How Head hit short-ball demons for six in Adelaide

Travis Head says he welcomes any further short-ball barrages from opposition attacks after he tamed the West Indies bouncer tactics to set Australia on its way to retaining the Frank Worrell Trophy.

The Aussies are on the verge of securing a 1-0 series lead in little over two days at Adelaide Oval after South Australian Head put a poor run behind him with a crunching 119 in front of his adoring home fans.

The Windies followed the lead of England by repeatedly bowling short to the left-hander, but after a scratchy start Head ensured Australia surged to a 95-run first innings lead. The Windies had slumped to 6-73 in their second innings at stumps.

Asked if his supposed weakness against the short ball was a myth, Head said it was for others to judge, but that he would have no issues if teams continue to bump him.

“That’s up for opinion. It’s not for me (to say). If they want to bowl there they bowl there, and I feel like teams are going attack me in different ways,” Head said.

“Pakistan put a million gullys and a couple of deep third men in and they went about it that way. England went about it a certain way, West Indies today. l try and sum up as well as I can.”

Belying what has been a largely low-scoring Test, Head said even he wasn’t always sure which elements of his batting would fire relative to others.

“I felt like I played the short ball a lot better today than I did everything on the front foot and I felt like in England I had the front foot under control,” Head said.

Travis Head attacked the short ball in Adelaide. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images
Travis Head attacked the short ball in Adelaide. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images

“So it’s weird how your game is feeling. I feel really good at the moment picking length up, where in England I felt like I was off the mark with picking the length up which then suggests certain things. So you move in and out of tempos, the way you bat.

“I did feel like I was happy with the way I played it today, again, so keep just working on it. If they keep going, they keep going, if they go somewhere else, keep working on other things. So Pakistan sort of went wide which is what I have challenged in the past about whether or not I can withhold myself and be disciplined around that. A few times I was, a few times I wasn’t. It’s no different than on the stumps with a packed legside field, can I be disciplined to not hit one head high to mid-wicket? Can I be disciplined enough to do it in different moments? That’s the game isn’t it.”

Originally published as Australia v West Indies: All the fallout and analysis from the first Test in Adelaide

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