Emerging from a modest background, Shamar Joseph took to the bowling crease with Australia standing at 25/0, having successfully dismissed West Indies for 188 in the initial innings.
Stepping into the opening position vacated by the retired David Warner, Smith displayed a confident demeanor from the beginning.
In his debut innings as a Test opener, he comfortably reached 12 runs, including two well-executed boundaries. Despite facing the pace of Kemar Roach and Alzarri Joseph, Smith appeared unfazed, especially with Roach’s speed consistently below 130 kph during his initial spell.
However, Smudge misjudged a good-length delivery from Shamar that angled back towards him. In his typical fashion, Smith shuffled across and attempted to defend, only to produce a thick outside edge. Positioned at third slip, Justin Greaves made a splendid diving catch to his left.
SHAMAR JOSEPH WITH HIS FIRST BALL IN TEST CRICKET!
— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) January 17, 2024
And it's Steve Smith who's the wicket! #AUSvWI pic.twitter.com/QpV0Aak1Dd
Shamar couldn’t have asked for a more auspicious start to his Test career, claiming the wicket of the Australian stalwart Steve Smith on his very first delivery. Soon after, he added to his tally by dismissing Marnus Labuschagne with a well-executed bouncer aimed at the middle-stump.