West Indian legend Brian Lara applauds Shamar Joseph’s vow to prioritise Test cricket

One of the greatest batters in Test history was so moved by West Indies’ first victory in Australia in 27 years, he interrupted Shamar Joseph’s press conference with applause. Here’s why.

West Indian fast bowler Shamar Joseph brought everything you could expect of a new superstar to the Gabba on Sunday — except his playing clothes.

Joseph, battling a toe injury that kept him up to 4am on Sunday morning after being struck by Mitchell Starc the day before, thought he was so little chance of playing he did not bring his playing whites.

He then went out and walked with the gods of fast bowling to produce a seven wicket haul that was one of the greatest performances by a visiting fast bowler on Australian soil.

“I wasn’t expecting to play so I just came in my training kit,’’ Joseph said.

“The skipper came to me and said “you ready? You are starting this morning.’’ I said “what … I haven’t got any clothes.’’

“So I gave a shout out and they got my clothes. I was in the dressing room with my shoes on my boxers and my cap waiting for my clothes. It was disappointed because I knew my skipper was waiting for me out there.’’

The 3 Kings…@gilly381@BrianLara#Smithy
❤️ test cricket…@FoxCricketpic.twitter.com/rQBxho9z3B

— Mark Howard (@MarkHoward03) January 28, 2024

“Last night I was in bed in terrible pain, I did not get to sleep until 3 or 4am. The doctor spoke to me at 11pm and said I should go to the ground tomorrow at least to support the boys.

“I got to the ground and the doctor gave me some kind of tablet and it worked. I don’t want any better feeling than this. This is my second Test and I feel as if I have played 100 Tests.’’

As an SOS was being sent for his clothes Joseph temporarily put on a shirt belonging to teammate Zach McCaskie.

What it means to Carl Hooper! @abcsport#AUSvWIpic.twitter.com/5TlnhWezRS

— Ben Cameron (@BenCameron23) January 28, 2024

Thanks to this young man Shamar Joseph for bowling one of the most remarkably courageous, & high quality spells on an injured right foot. All credit to you and your loved ones bro, for what you have achieved and will continue to achieve. pic.twitter.com/fA0Wd8id67

— Ian Raphael Bishop (@irbishi) January 28, 2024

Once he took the bowling crease Joseph bowling with pace and precision in a spell that West Indian greats like Andy Roberts or Malcolm Marshall would have been happy to claim.

“It’s amazing. I cannot explain it. Having people who believe in me will give me a lot of confidence.

“I just said to him (captain Kraigg Brathwaite) give me the ball. I am not coming off no matter what you do. He said “just keep going buddy.’ I said I would do this for you and the team.’

Shamar Joseph bowled West Indies to victory after fearing he would take no part in day four. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

So emotional was the victory that former West Indian players Brian Lara, Ian Bishop and Carl Hooper, in Australia to commentate, shed tears.

Lara, commentating for Fox Cricket, was so moved he taped the post match press conference with his phone and clapped when Joseph declared no amount of riches on the T20 circuit would lure him away from the West Indian Test team.

“Well this is my dream to play Test cricket for the West Indies. I am not afraid to say T20 will come around but I will always be available for play for the West Indies no matter how much money it takes or comes towards me, I will always be there.’’

And Test cricket can be grateful for that.

Originally published as West Indian legend Brian Lara applauds Shamar Joseph’s vow to prioritise Test cricket