Image Credit- AFP
Australia’s captain Pat Cummins was optimistic going
into the fourth day of the Gabba Test, needing only 156 and having taken eight
wickets in their pursuit of 216. However, he gave credit to Shamar Joseph for
his remarkable performance, which ultimately resulted in the historic eight-run
victory for the West Indies.
Despite hurting his toe in the batting on Saturday,
Joseph bowled unmodified for 11.5 overs and ended with 7 for 68 in just his
second Test, levelling the two-match series at 1-1.
“[There is] disappointment after a loss [but]
that was a fantastic Test match and a fantastic series,” Cummins said at
the presentation. “In particular, Shamar, the way he bowled today. He was
right up for it and unfortunately, we were not good enough.
“We were confident coming today. Our efforts
yesterday were really good, to have a very low total. [A target of] 200-odd was
achievable. [West Indies] had different ideas and bowled beautifully and
unfortunately [it was] just a bridge too far.”
For the first time in this set of Tests, Steven Smith
opened the innings and remained undefeated at 91 while wickets dropped at the
other end. As Australia’s first Test opener, he scored six, eleven not out, and
twelve in his first three innings. But he was undefeated on 33 overnight, and
there was where the hosts had placed their hopes. He made a determined effort
to lead Australia to victory, and with one wicket remaining and 20 runs down,
he took an outrageous swing from Alzarri Joseph for a six over fine leg. But
Shamar Joseph completed the thrilling victory by flattening Josh Hazlewood’s
off stump with nine runs remaining.
“Don’t think we are surprised [with Smith’s
innings],” Cummins said. “[We have] seen it for 15 years from Smithy.
He was fantastic. [He] almost dragged us over the line single-handedly at the
end.”
Australia had a busy summer at home, playing three
Tests against Pakistan at the start of the year before these two matches
against the West Indies. They finished the home summer with a 4-1 record with
their defeat in the day-night Test in Brisbane, which was their debut pink-ball
match.
“We have all played enough to know this game
humbles you quickly when you think you are on top of the world. You start from
0-0 each game. West Indies were fantastic this week, sometimes you learn the
lessons the hard way.
“They are a great fun to watch. West Indies
always had some exciting batters, pretty awesome celebrations and we saw that a
lot this series, and a couple of new quick bowlers. They played fantastically
well, one-all a pretty fair result for the series.”