West Indies End 27-Year Drought in Australia with Thrilling Pink-Ball Test Victory

Gabba: Brave Shamar Joseph’s spectacular bowling performance, claiming figures of 7-68, despite suffering from a suspected broken toe, led West Indies to a sensational eight-run triumph in the pink-ball Test match at The Gabba, breaking a 27-year drought for the team in Australia. The victory on Day 4 halted Australia’s 11-match winning streak in day-night Tests and allowed West Indies to share the spoils in the two-match series.

The day started with hosts Australia and overnight batters Steve Smith and Cameron Green looking solid in gloomy conditions. The duo negotiated challenging opening spells, but the momentum shifted dramatically with Shamar Joseph’s exceptional bowling display. In the first hour of play, he triggered a collapse of 4 for 23, leaving the hosts in a precarious position.

Cameron Green, who was on the brink of a hard-fought fifty, fell victim to a brilliant delivery from Shamar that breached his defences, hit his elbow, and crashed into the stumps. Shamar continued his magic with the ball, dismissing Travis Head for a king pair with a terrific yorker.

Despite Steve Smith’s gutsy knock of 91*, the Australian middle order crumbled under Shamar Joseph’s relentless attack. Mitchell Marsh and Alex Carey fell in quick succession, leaving Australia reeling at 136/6. Mitchell Starc provided some resistance with an aggressive cameo, but Shamar had the final say, dismissing Starc and Pat Cummins in quick succession.

As the game extended into bright and sunny conditions after Dinner, the Josephs—Shamar and Alzarri—combined forces to apply the finishing touches. Nathan Lyon’s dismissal, caught behind after a low return catch opportunity, set the stage for a thrilling conclusion. Alzarri Joseph claimed the crucial wicket of Nathan Lyon with the very next delivery, leaving Australia with just one wicket in hand and 25 more runs required.

Despite a valiant effort from Steve Smith, who displayed aggression with a four and a six, Shamar Joseph had the last laugh. He knocked back Josh Hazlewood’s off-stump, sealing West Indies’ historic victory at The Gabba and marking their first win at the venue since 1968. The win not only ended a long-standing drought but also showcased the prowess of the West Indies team under Shamar Joseph’s exceptional bowling performance.