Shamar Joseph spoke after his five-wicket haul on debut, speaking of the emotion from his monumental feat.
“It’s an amazing feeling right now, only thing left for me is some tears to my eyes, I’m really happy to be at this big stage in Australia and to get a five-wicket haul against Australia means a lot to me,” he told Fox Cricket.
“It’s amazing for me, Test cricket is lovely, it’s just sticking to the basics and enjoy it, the most important thing is to enjoy it.”
Joseph’s story has become well known since he dismissed Steve Smith on day one with his first delivery in Test cricket.
Growing up in a remote region of Guyana, Joseph quit his job in security to pursue a career in cricket after his talents were passed on to Curtly Ambrose.
The fast bowler then made his first class debut in February 2023.
“You learn a lot from all those things, working hard, putting a positive mindset towards what you want to achieve in life,” he said.
“Being here today on this big stage against the no.1 team in Test cricket and picking up a five-fa, it’s a lot. I can’t explain how emotional I am right now.”
With four wickets to his name and Australia’s tail-enders falling, Joseph’s five-wicket haul on debut looked as if it may not come.
However, captain Kraigg Brathwaite threw him the second new ball and before you knew it Nathan Lyon was bowled.
“Bowling with the second new ball, I did that in parts at the Caribbean. Bowling with the new ball against the no.1 team there wasn’t any nervousness but positivity because I’m looking for a five-wicket haul and getting the new ball created the best opportunity for me,” he said.
Joseph also shone with the bat on day one, hitting 36 but copped a hit to the head early in his innings but that only spurred him on.
“The hit to the helmet actually gave me the confidence not to be afraid,” he said.
