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Australia v West Indies: Debutant Windies hero rocks Steve Smith batting experiment

The world was made to wait for Steve Smith the opener as the Aussie quicks made history at Adelaide Oval. But when the time came – West Indies’ new Nostradamus stole the show.

Daniel Cherny and Jordan Pinto
14 min read
January 17, 2024 - 7:13PM
EPIC celebration as young gun's first ever ball sinks Smith

Shamar Joseph’s homework on Steve Smith reaped dividends even beyond the paceman’s wildest imagination as the West Indian debutant spoiled the batting great’s first day as a Test opener and breathed life into the Frank Worrell Trophy series.

With his side looking like it would be overtaken by Australia within a day, Guyanese quick Joseph became the unlikely leader of the Windies’ resistance on day one at Adelaide Oval.

Having plummeted to 9-133, the tourists forced their way to 188 before keeping Australia’s refurbished top order in check. The Aussies were 2-59 at the close, with Usman Khawaja on 30 and the recalled Cameron Green on six.

In what was a dream start to his Test career, Joseph clubbed 36 - the highest No. 11 total by a Windies player on debut before becoming the first West Indian to take a wicket with his first ball in the format since 1939.

It wasn’t any old mug either, with Joseph, on at first change, squaring Smith up with his impressive 140 km/h pace to draw an edge snaffled at third slip by all-rounder Justin Greaves, also on debut.

Shamar Joseph celebrates after taking the wicket of Steve Smith. Picture: Izhar KHAN / AFP
Shamar Joseph celebrates after taking the wicket of Steve Smith. Picture: Izhar KHAN / AFP

Smith’s 12 was an underwhelming beginning to the former captain’s divisive move up the order.

Joseph needed to regain his composure before bowling the fateful delivery, a moment he had predicted, if only to an extent.

“I didn’t miss my run up. It was just nervousness. You know bowling to one of the best batsmen in Australia team that I consider. So I just went and cleared my mind to get the first ball right, just on top of off stump,” Joseph said.

“I had a few conversations with the boys in the dressing room. I told them that I would get a wicket on my first ball, but I didn’t know (it would be) Steve Smith.

“I watched back Test matches with Steve Smith, and I think that area is a weakness for him. So I just say that I will just hit the top of off because (he moves) across a lot, he tries to take you off your line…I just stuck to the basics.”

As if that wasn’t enough, Joseph struck in his fourth over, removing Marnus Labuschagne who pulled a short ball down the throat of Gudakesh Motie at deep backward square leg to fall for nine.

Smith made 12 in his first knock as opener. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images
Smith made 12 in his first knock as opener. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images
Josh Hazlewood took four wickets as Australia bowled out West Indies for 188. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images
Josh Hazlewood took four wickets as Australia bowled out West Indies for 188. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images

It was yet another extraordinary chapter in the life of 24-year-old Joseph, who was still bowling with a tape ball a couple of years ago and only made his first-class debut last February.

The Windies would have been even further entrenched in the contest had gloveman Joshua Da Silva not spilled a one-handed diving attempt which would have sent Khawaja packing for three after he edged vice-captain Alzarri Joseph.

Though judgment will ultimately be cast on his output with the bat, Green issued a swift reminder of his irreplaceable qualities by taking two excellent catches at gully to remove Tagenarine Chanderpaul (six) and debutant Kavem Hodge (12) off Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood respectively.

Former Australian coach Justin Langer said Green was probably the best to ever field in the position for the Aussies.

“I remember, Matthew Hayden was an excellent gully. But again, a big man. Geoff Marsh, Mitch’s dad was excellent in the gully. There has been some good ones, but I just can’t remember anyone as consistently brilliant as Cameron Green in that position,” Langer said on Channel Seven.

“We have seen him take them on both sides of his body, above his head and taken down low. He’s an exceptional gully fieldsman.”

Cameron Green grabs SCREAMER at gully against West Indies

Cummins (4-41) and Hazlewood (4-44) did the bulk of the damage, with the captain moving into outright ninth on the list of Australian Test wicket-takers, inching past Jason Gillespie, and Hazlewood becoming the 11th Aussie to 250 Test wickets.

Kirk McKenzie’s 50 at first drop was all the Windies had to write home about until veteran Kemar Roach and last man in Joseph threw caution to the wind with a 55-run 10th wicket stand, the second successive Test that Australia has conceded a half-century partnership for the final wicket.

The Aussies were frustrated to the extent that they needed to bowl after tea, even after being afforded an extra half an hour in the middle session to finish off the innings.

While Shamar Joseph had plenty of Smith footage to scour, Hazlewood conceded the Aussies knew next to nothing of Joseph’s batting ability.

“Tough to find some footage of the debutants. We don’t tend to look at number 11 all that often but maybe we should going off the last few weeks,” Hazlewood said.

Though the clouds cleared as the day wore on, Cummins was encouraged enough by the overhead conditions and grass coverage to go against the Adelaide Oval grain by inserting the tourists.

Not since 2003 have the Windies beaten Australia in a Test, and their barren run on Aussie soil extends to early 1997.

Pat Cummins celebrates with Cam Green early on the first day. Picture: Izhar KHAN / AFP
Pat Cummins celebrates with Cam Green early on the first day. Picture: Izhar KHAN / AFP

DAY 1 LIVE: RECAP ALL THE ACTION AS IT HAPPENED

- Jordan Pinto

5.30PM: STUMPS!

The afternoon well and truly belonged to West Indian Shamar Joseph, with the debutant finishing his first day of Test cricket with 2/18 and the big Aussie scalps of Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne.

After rolling West Indies for 188, Australia is 2/59 at the close of play, with Usman Khawaja (30) and Cam Green (6) the not out batsman.

Will it be Green’s day tomorrow?

Join us for all the action from 10am local time.

5PM: HE’S DONE IT AGAIN

Shamar Joseph followed the same route out towards the eastern stand at Adelaide Oval as he celebrated his second Test wicket.

Joseph claimed another big scalp in Marnus Labuschagne, who was caught hooking on the fine leg boundary off a perfectly placed bouncer.

Despite just half an hour remaining on the first day, there’s no night watchman in sight – yet – and Cam Green is at the crease at No. 4.

4.30PM: SHAMAR’S STUNNER SENDS SMITH PACKING

Steve Smith’s first innings as an opener was a short one after the Aussie star was stunned by Shamar Joseph’s first ball in Test cricket.

Joseph, fresh off hitting an impressive 41 with the bat on debut, fired in a ball outside off stump that had Smith caught on the crease and nicking to Justin Greaves, who took a sharp catch at third slip.

The 24-year-old right-arm quick, who only made his first class debut last year, then almost made it to the eastern boundary with his arms in the air in celebration.

It was just the 23rd time in Test history a player has taken a wicket with the first delivery of their career, and the first time a West Indian has done so since Tyrell Johnson against England in 1939.

Smith looked comfortable at the crease before being sent packing for 12, his first ever opening stand with Usman Khawaja ending on 25.

4PM: DROPPED BY THE ... KEEPER

Usman Khawaja has been given an early life, dropped by keeper Joshua Da Silva in a “big miss” for the West Indies.

Impressive quick Alzarri Joseph caught Khawaja’s edge in his first over, but the golden chance went begging as the ball struck a diving Da Silva on the wrist.

Earlier this summer, Pakistan showed just what can happen when you don’t take your chances in Australia.

“What is happening with the touring teams here in Australia this year?” Former Test start Simon Katich asked on Channel 7.

“That is a golden opportunity. Joseph has bowled beautiful length here to Khawaja. Drags him forward. Just spars at it outside offstump. That has to be taken and Da Silva has muffed it. That has to be taken.”

At the other end, Steve Smith is off the mark as an opener in Test cricket.

3.40PM: WINDIES ALL OUT

After a 55-run last-wicket partnership between Shamar Joseph and Kemar Roach was broken by Nathan Lyon, Australia has bowled out the West Indies for 188.

Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins were the stars, picking up four wickets each, while Kirk McKenzie top scored for the travelling team with 50 – his first half century in Test cricket.

The quickest person off the ground after the LBW review was thrown out? Steve Smith.

He’ll be back out in the middle of Adelaide Oval as an opener for the first time in first class cricket.

3.30PM: WHAT HISTORY BOOKS TELL US ABOUT AUSSIE ATTACK

– Robert Craddock

Beating this humble West Indian team is not a major triumph – beating Joel Garner and Michael Holding is.

Hidden in the fine print of Australia’s demolition of a woefully outclassed West Indian top order was the fact that Pat Cummins edged past Garner on the Test wicket-takers list and Josh Hazlewood eclipsed Holding.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE

3.10PM: MAYBE THERE’S SOME FIGHT YET

As Shamar Joseph backed away, opened up his stance and clubbed Josh Hazlewood for six over mid wicket, the Adelaide Oval members stand let out a collective gasp in excitement.

Sure there were a few big swing and misses either side, but the 24-year-old, in his first Test made a late stand – after his side crumbled in 30 minutes of madness – recording the highest ever score by a West Indian No. 11 on debut.

Despite, copping a nasty blow to the helmet from a Mitch Starc early, the right-arm quick raced to 31 and had put on 41 with Kemar Roach for the last-wicket – the highest partnership of the innings – when tea was called.

2.45PM: VETTORI TO STEP UP IN COACHING MERRY-GO-ROUND

- Daniel Cherny

Daniel Vettori will take over as head coach during Australia’s white-ball series against the West Indies as Cricket Australia continues to manage the workload of its coaching staff through a hectic schedule.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE

2.20PM: WINDIES LOSING MENTAL BATTLE

“Once again, a fairly soft dismissal,” Mark Waugh said on Fox Cricket as Joshua Da Silva skied one to local boy Travis Head at deep mid wicket.

The seventh wicket of the West Indian innings was skipper Pat Cummins’ third.

Gudakesh Motie went a few balls later playing a shot that is hard to describe, before Alzarri Joseph was caught by Steve Smith slashing at second slip for 14.

A “disappointed” Brian Lara said the inexperienced West Indies side wasn’t up for the fight mentally.

“I think I put that (the soft dismissals) down to the mental, not physical, differences between the two teams,” Lara said on Fox Cricket.

“Australia are a mentally strong unit … but a young team, they are finding their way. They are going to be concentrating for short periods and then lapsing.”

Former Victorian captain and South Australian coach Darren Berry went one step further.

“This is sad and rather embarrassing boys vs men type of stuff,” Berry wrote on X.

1.50PM: 253!

With the second ball of his 11th over, Josh Hazlewood pitched another one right up for Justin Greaves – another Test debutant – to hit.

And he did. In the air, straight to Marnus Labuschagne at cover, leaving the tourists six down and under serious pressure.

The answer to the question below is, probably not much longer.

1.40PM: HAZLEWOOD GETS KEY MAN

The over after bringing up his first Test half century – a brilliant knock that featured seven boundaries – Kirk McKenzie became victim number 252 for Josh Hazlewood.

Coming around the wicket to the left-hander, Hazlewood got one to bounce a little more, drawing the outside edge for a regulation catch to Alex Carey.

How long can the Windies survive now?

1.30PM: ‘BUCKET HANDS’ TAKES ANOTHER

Debutant Karem Hodge was just beginning to draw praise from the man who presented him his first Test cap on Wednesday morning, Brian Lara.

Not long after beautifully driving Cam Green down the ground, Green – of course was – waiting there at gully, when Hodge went again, this time to a full of a length delivery from Josh Hazlewood.

“The carrot was dangled, the drive was on offer… and he went for it,” former England captain Michael Vaughan said of the fourth wicket.

And that’s 251 for Hazlewood.

1.05PM: AUSSIES LOSE REVIEW

As he beat the outside edge of Kirk McKenzie – the West Indian No.3 leading the fightback in just his second Test – in the 32nd over, Pat Cummins barely reacted.

But shortleg Mitch Marsh went up, and the ever excitable Marnus Labuschagne thought heard something from second slip, too.

They convinced the skipper to review the not out decision after the ball sailed through to keeper Alex Carey.

But nothing showed up on hotspot and the review was quickly thrown out by the third umpire.

1PM: RENSHAW RELEASED FROM SQUAD

– Marco Monteverde

Brisbane Heat’s hopes of winning Friday night’s BBL semi-final against the Sydney Sixers have been boosted by the availability of Test squad batsman Matt Renshaw.

Cricket Australia announced on Wednesday that Renshaw would be released from the Test squad – currently in Adelaide for the match between Australia and the West Indies – to play for the Heat in the “Qualifier” at Heritage Bank Stadium on the Gold Coast.

Matt Renshaw in the Adelaide Oval next on Tuesday. Picture: Sarah Reed/Getty Images
Matt Renshaw in the Adelaide Oval next on Tuesday. Picture: Sarah Reed/Getty Images

Renshaw, who wasn’t chosen in Australia’s 11 for the Test that started at Adelaide Oval on Wednesday morning, will link with the Heat camp on Thursday night, flying out after the second day’s play in Adelaide and return on Saturday.

“I will fly out tomorrow night after the day’s play, play Friday night, come back. A bit of Frequent Flyer points there. Excited to be back for the Heat in an important game,” he told Channel 7 during the opening day’s play of the Test.

Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins Australia celebrate the wicket of Alick Athanaze. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images
Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins Australia celebrate the wicket of Alick Athanaze. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images

12PM: AND THAT’S LUNCH

After sending the tourists in for the first time in Adelaide since 1980, the record-breaking Aussie quicks have made their mark, leaving the West Indies 3/64 at lunch.

Kirk McKenzie is 26 not out, while debutant Kavem Hodge is off the mark in Test cricket.

11.45AM: AUSSIES MAKE HISTORY AS JOSH JOINS CLUB 250

Another milestone for the Aussie quicks, with Josh Hazlewood joining the 250-club, bowling Alick Athanaze for 13.

And the West Indian No. 4 won’t want to see that one again.

Just after he started to look comfortable, the left-hander misjudged a Hazlewood delivery that jagged back slightly, offering no shot, only to see the bails fly.

“Is that the worst leave ever?” the punters mused on social media.

The third wicket brings 30-year-old debutant Kavem Hodge to the crease just 15 minutes before lunch.

11 Australians have now taken 250 Test wickets and, remarkably, for the first time ever, four of them are in this XI – with Hazlewood joining Lyon, Cummins and Starc to reach the figure.

11AM: CUMMINS AGAIN!

Move over, Dizzy.

With his second wicket of the morning – this time an almost unplayable delivery that clipped the top of opposing skipper Kraigg Brathwaite’s off stump – Pat Cummins has moved past Jason Gillespie on Australia’s all-time leading wicket takers.

Cummins now has 260 Test scalps to sit ninth on the prestigious list.

Spinner Nathan Lyon is on early at the other end but, like it has been for most of the path 12 months, it’s been all about the Australian captain, who has 2/4 off three overs.

10.50AM: IS GREEN OUR BEST EVER?

– Jacob Kuriype

Two Australian gambles have paid early dividends against the West Indies.

Captain Pat Cummins’ broke with tradition at Adelaide Oval when he elected to bowl after winning the toss – it’s the first time an Australian side has won the toss and bowled at Adelaide since 1980.

A wicketless first half-hour suggested the captain had erred, only for an even earlier gamble from the Australians to pay off.

Eyebrows were raised when Cameron Green was brought into the XI at No.4, but his sizeable presence came in handy when Cummins drew an edge from Tagenarine Chanderpaul. Reaching high above his head at gully, the tall-timber took a screamer to remove the opener for six.

“Back in the bgaggy green cap and arguably the greatest ever gully fielder at his young age, he’s taken another one,” former coach Justin Langer said on Channel 7.

“I remember, Matthew Hayden was an excellent gully. But again, a big man. Geoff Marsh, Mitch’s dad was excellent in the gully. There has been some good ones, but I just can’t remember anyone as consistently brilliant as Cameron Green in that position.”

10.45AM: CUMMINS BREAKS THROUGH

Well, I spoke to soon.

Kraigg Brathwaite and Tagenarine Chanderpaul may have seen off Mitch Starc and Josh Hazlewood but it took skipper Pat Cummins just four balls to break the opening stand.

“Bucket hands” Cam Green took a sharp catch at gully after Chanderpaul slashed at a full delivery just outside off stump.

A wicket maiden to start for Cummins.

10.30AM: WINDIES HANDLE EARLY HEAT – FOR NOW

A number of play and misses. Two, let’s say, less than convincing boundaries, a few knocks to the body and an edge that didn’t carry to Usman Khawaja at first slip.

There’s a bit happening out in the middle of Adelaide Oval.

But, as a growingly optimistic Brian Lara put it, “they are still there”.

After being sent in by Pat Cummins, West Indies openers Kraigg Brathwaite and Tagenarine Chanderpaul have survived the first half hour in Adelaide.

The tourists are 0/14 after seven overs and a 30-minute period where Aussie quicks Mitch Starc and Josh Hazlewood took their time to settle in.

9.30AM: AUSSIES WINS TOSS, SEND TOURISTS IN

We’ll have to wait a little longer to see Steve Smith the opener, with Australian captain Pat Cummins winning the toss and electing to bowl at an overcast Adelaide Oval.

It’s the first time an Australian side has won the toss and bowled in Adelaide since 1980.

“Looks like there’s a little grass on the wicket ... we’d like to have first use of it,” Cummins said out in the middle.

West Indies skipper Kraigg Braithwaite admitted he would’ve batted anyway, but it puts his young side under pressure right away.

“It’s the inexperience in the batting line up that worries me a bit,” Windies great Brian Lara said on Fox Cricket.

Can they handle it? We’ll soon find out.

9:15AM: STEVE SMITH EXPLAINS OPENING MOVE

Steve Smith is raring to go in his new life as a Test opener, revealing the ‘mental fatigue’ of sitting and waiting for his turn to bat the past few years.

“I’m just keen to get out there and amongst it,” Smith said on Fox Cricket ahead of play on day one.

“I think when I sit there and wait, I watch really closely, I watch the game going live, the TV usually has a little bit of a delay and then I watch the ball on the TV.

“If it’s 50 overs I’m waiting then I’m watching probably 600 balls and it’s mentally fatiguing. Just keen to get out there and amongst it.”

9AM (Local time): GREEN STAT REVEALS GAP BETWEEN AUSTRALIA AND WEST INDIES

– Jacob Kuriype

The West Indies confirmed an incredibly inexperienced XI on Test eve that features three debutants.

Painting a picture of the gap in experience between the two teams, with 24 caps to his name, Cameron Green would be the West Indies’ equal fourth most experienced player alongside Joshua Da Silva. Green is Australia’s least experienced player

Cameron Green will return to the XI in unfamiliar territory. Picture: Mark Brake/Getty Images
Cameron Green will return to the XI in unfamiliar territory. Picture: Mark Brake/Getty Images

Tagenarine Chanderpaul, with eight caps, is the fifth-most experienced player in the Windies XI and one of seven West Indians to have played fewer than 10 Tests.

Among those seven, three are debutants – seamer Shamar Joseph and middle-order batters Kavem Hodge and Justin Greaves – and the remaining three have each played fewer than five.

TEAMS

Australia: Usman Khawaja, Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Mitch Marsh, Alex Carey (wk), Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins (c), Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood

West Indies: Kraigg Brathwaite (c), Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Kirk McKenzie, Alick Athanaze, Kavem Hodge, Justin Greaves, Joshua Da Silva (wk), Gudakesh Motie, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Kemar Roach

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Originally published as Australia v West Indies: Debutant Windies hero rocks Steve Smith batting experiment

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Original URL: https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/sport/cricket/australia-vs-west-indies-first-test-live-updates-from-adelaide-oval/news-story/756d73dd73517e728f52103f61411f83