West Indies fast bowler Alzarri Joseph was the on-field leader with an impactful bowling display. His match-defining performances helped his team bowl Australia out for 286 runs on the first day of the second Test match, in Grenada. Joseph produced a player-of-the-match performance to take four for 61. His efforts ensured they had a fighting chance to level the ongoing three-Test series at 1-1 against Australia.
Joseph’s lucky day turned out to be the day that Australian captain Steve Smith fell. Smith had only scratched out three runs when a top-edged pulled shot earned him an exit catch to fine leg. Along with Smith, Joseph removed the key wicket of Travis Head for 29 runs. His ability to induce pressure—even on Australia’s best batsmen—was key to limiting their boundaries and runs across the entire 50-over innings.
Working in partnership with other wicket takers, particularly fellow Caribbean bowlers Shamar Joseph and Jayden Seales, Alzarri Joseph gave the Australian batsmen all types of fits. That outstanding trio worked in unison to decimate Australia’s batting order and completely destroy their opponents’ ability to build any sort of momentum. Joseph’s hostile bowling produced key breakthroughs. It created the constant pressure on the Australian batsmen that never allowed them to get up and running with any confidence.
Joseph’s allround show were just the tonic the West Indies needed. The squad is looking forward to the opportunity to respond after going down in the opening Test. Whether he starts or comes off the bench, he’s critical to the team and players know what he brings. His knack for coming through in the clutch is what makes him such a priceless resource to any organization. Joseph takes his wickets with unvarnished joy. His contributions are more than numbers, they’re about re-instilling pride and competitiveness in West Indies cricket.
Moving into the semifinal, fans can expect all eyes on Alzarri Joseph and his bowling squad. They hope to build off of that great head start. Their collective effort will be what’s needed most in their valiant cause to pull an upset and tie the series against a strong side down under.
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