On Day 1 of the second Test between West Indies and South Africa at Providence Stadium, Guyana, Shamar Joseph delivered an outstanding performance that left the visitors struggling. The West Indian pacer showcased his skill with the ball, particularly with his dismissal of South African opener Aiden Markram.
Aiden Markram’s dismissal: A perfect delivery
Joseph’s dismissal of Markram was a classic example of skillful seam bowling, utilizing the wobble seam technique to perfection. On the third ball of the 11th over, Joseph delivered a good length ball with a wobble seam, a subtle yet effective variation that causes the ball to deviate unpredictably after pitching. The ball was pitched just outside off-stump, angling into the right-hander. Markram, misjudging the line and the movement, decided to leave the delivery, anticipating it to hold its line or move away slightly, as previous deliveries had done.
However, the ball, instead of moving away, continued on its inward trajectory due to the angle created by Joseph’s delivery and the wobble seam’s influence. The length was slightly fuller than a traditional good length, enough to tempt Markram into thinking the ball might go over the stumps. Instead, it crashed into the top of the off-stump, a perfect result for Joseph, who celebrated the wicket with visible enthusiasm. Markram, who had scored 14 off 30 deliveries, was left to rue his misjudgment, leaving South Africa in a precarious position at 20/2.
Here’s the video:
Shamar Joseph’s 1st Test wicket on homesoil and it’s a double wicket maiden!💥🤯#WIvSA | #MenInMaroon pic.twitter.com/Hh6pgfNDZP
— Windies Cricket (@windiescricket) August 15, 2024
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West Indies stumble early as South Africa launches counterattack
Joseph delivered a standout performance, taking five wickets to leave South Africa struggling at 160, despite a late 63-run partnership between Dane Piedt and Nandre Burger. Joseph’s aggressive bowling dismantled the South African batting lineup, with key dismissals including Temba Bavuma and David Bedingham. In response, the West Indies faltered, losing top-order wickets quickly. Mikyle Louis was bowled for a duck, and Captain Kraigg Brathwaite was dismissed for just 3 runs. By the end of first day play, the West Indies were at 97/7, trailing by 63 runs, with Jason Holder at the crease with the tail, needing to mount a strong fightback on Day 2.
Also READ: WI vs SA: Fast bowlers dominate as 17 wickets fall on Day 1 of Guyana Test
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