Shamar Joseph leads West Indies to first win in Australia since 1997

The 24-year-old fast bowler sent West Indies to their first away victory over Australia since 1997, with a remarkable seven-wicket haul less than 24 hours after suffering a toe injury while batting

Shamar Joseph wasn't even due to be at the Gabba on Sunday morning, before producing an extraordinary seven-wicket spell to clinch a seismic victory for West Indies.

They had not beaten Australia in Australia since 1997, two years before Joseph was born. But the 24-year-old, in just his second Test, defied a toe injury and almost three decades of history to scratch his name into the history books.

Joseph had been pinned on the toe by a Mitchell Starc yorker on Saturday evening and had retired hurt, and he was visibly limping between overs when he made it onto the field for the run-chase.

"I wasn't even coming to the ground this morning," he said afterwards. "I have to give a shoutout to the doctor. He's an amazing doctor to me – he told me to come to the ground for a reason, even if it's just to support the guys. But I came and he did something to my toe, and it worked."

^{Joseph raced across the field in celebration (Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)}

Australia were two wickets down coming into Sunday's play, but Joseph took seven of the eight to fall as a young West Indies team – missing the likes of Jason Holder and Kyle Mayers – caused a monumental shock as Australia lost a day-night match for the first time.

Cameron Green was bowled through the gate, Travis Head was yorked first ball to complete a king pair, Mitchell Marsh edged to slip, Alex Carey was castled, Mitchell Starc top-edged a pull, and Pat Cummins was brilliantly caught by Joshua de Silva before Josh Hazlewood had his off-stump knocked back to spark wild celebrations that reached as far as the boundary rope.

"This is just unbelievable," said Brian Lara, who was on commentary for the conclusion. "So proud from everyone on that team."

WEST INDIES WIN!

ONE OF THE BIGGEST UPSETS IN TEST MATCH HISTORY!#AUSvWI pic.twitter.com/V2IYEt3y2P

— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) January 28, 2024

Joseph, who was a net-bowler in the Caribbean Premier League a few months ago and only made his first-class debut last February, added: "I feel like we win the series, even though it's 1-1. It's really amazing for my teammates; I must another shoutout to them, they're really encouraging. I'm glad I made them proud."

He said: "Tears could have got to my eyes just now, but I already cried when I got my five-wicket haul. It's just happiness. I'm just happy that we win the Test – when we last beat Australia, I can't even remember. But today is a big day for us, and I just want to say enjoy it, celebrate it and be happy.

"I told my skipper that I would bowl until the end, until the last wicket falls. It doesn't matter how my toes are."