Jamaicans Celebrate West Indies’ Stunning Win over Australia

Jamaicans at home and in the Diaspora are still reveling in the West Indies’ stunning upset of heavily favoured Australia on what was an enthralling fourth day of the second and final test match in Brisbane on January 27.

The win marked the first time in 27 years that the West Indies – which had unceremoniously lost the first test in Adelaide inside three days only a week prior – had defeated Australia in a test match on Australian soil.

What makes the achievement even more remarkable is that it was accomplished by a West Indies team that was not at full strength.

With scores of 188 and 120 in the first test, resulting in a comprehensive 10 wicket loss to Australia, most pundits thought that a match win for the Windies would be miraculous.

Of note, also, and still being talked about in cricketing circles worldwide, was the amazing performance of young Guyanese fast bowler and the find of the series, Shamar Joseph, whose figures of 7/68 was the catalyst for West Indies’ sensational victory.

Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, said that young Joseph’s match-winning performance was nothing short of phenomenal.

“Huge congratulations to the sensational Shamar Joseph! At just 24 years old, playing his first Test series, he has achieved remarkable milestones – a wicket with his first ball, claiming five wickets in Adelaide, securing 7/68 in Brisbane, and was named Man of the Match,” the Prime Minister wrote in a Facebook post.

“His story is truly remarkable both on and off the pitch, from humble beginnings in Guyana, to leading the West Indies to today’s historic win – the first test victory in Australia since 1997, which was 27 years ago!” the Prime Minister continued.

“Shamar, you are a phenomenal player on the pitch, and your achievements inspire cricket enthusiasts worldwide,” he added.

Former West Indies great, Jamaican Chris Gayle, said “I am proud of you Shamar Joseph…great team effort everyone.”

Portland resident and former high school and club cricket standout, Carl Brissett, told JIS News that he was elated and proud at the team’s victory.

“Nobody saw this coming and I mean nobody. To put this in context, several of the senior players had opted out of the tour to Australia. What we sent to Australia representing the West Indies was considered a B team at best,” he noted.

Mr. Brissett, who played international league cricket for Yorkshire in England, said the West Indies’ remarkable performance serves as a testament to the team’s resilience and skill on the cricket field.

“At one point in the first innings in the Brisbane test we were 64/5 at which stage the oddsmakers had us going down to an ugly defeat. Someway, somehow, the middle order found a way to steady the ship, eventually giving us a respectable first innings total of 311, which would prove pivotal to the outcome,” he noted.

For Jamaican born Canadian resident, Pete Brown, the West Indies stunner should go down in the annals of sports as one of the biggest upsets ever.

Like others, he singles out Man of the Match and Man of the Series, Shamar Joseph’s incredible display of skill and determination as one of the main reasons for the ‘Miracle Down Under’.

“What can we say about young Shamar? He had to be helped off the field prior to Australia beginning their run chase and for all intents and purposes, seemed [out] for the remainder of the match. Then, out of the blue he came back to produce one of the greatest performances we have ever seen from a player playing only his second test match,” Mr. Brown said.

For his part, Engineer and Florida-based Jamaican, Hugh Perry, noted that the win was a long time in coming, adding that he could recall staying up late with his father as a youngster, listening to the great West Indies team of the past playing Australia in Australia.

“Twenty-seven years ago was the last time we beat Australia on their home soil; a long time ago indeed. Shamar Joseph’s performance, particularly while enduring an injury, has rightfully earned him praise and recognition,” he said.

Scores in the match were West Indies 311 and 193; Australia 289/9 declared and 207.

West Indies won by eight runs.