Image Credit- CA
Shamar Joseph’s toe injury sustained during the Gabba
Test has prevented him from playing for the Dubai Capitals in the ILT20.
Joseph battled discomfort on the fourth day to produce
one of the greatest spells in Test history, claiming 7 for 68 to lead West
Indies to a historic eight-run victory – their first in Australia since 1997,
despite scans showing no fracture after he was struck on the boot by a Mitchell
Starc yorker. He had not anticipated playing before the team physio gave him a
dose of painkillers at the beginning of the day.
After coming into the attack, Joseph bowled without
altering his style, tearing apart Australia’s batting order and reaching a
late-spell of 150 kph. “I will not stop bowling until the final wicket is
taken,” he declared to his skipper, Kraigg Brathwaite.
After signing with the Capitals prior to the Australia
tour, he was expected to go straight to the ILT20. However, he will now return
home to recuperate before leaving for the PSL, where he was signed by Peshawar
Zalmi.
After his incredible career debut in which he took two
five-wicket hauls and removed Steven Smith with his first ball, Joseph is sure
to receive offers from T20 leagues all around the world.
After the Test, Joseph had a hectic 24 hours as he
dealt with several inquiries from the media and was praised in the Caribbean,
where the cricket outcome dominated newspaper front pages. Several regional
leaders also shared their congrats and words of gratitude on social media.
The West Indies selector will now have to prioritise
managing Joseph and weighing the offers he receives from elsewhere. Ian Bishop
said during the Brisbane spell that he hoped funding could be secured to keep
Joseph safe.