30 January,2024 03:16 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Shamar Joseph (Pic: AFP)
West Indies pacer Shamar Joseph has been forced to withdraw for a certain time from the International League T20 with Dubai Capitals due to a toe injury.
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The Caribbean speedster recently bowled a magical spell dismissing seven Australian batsmen leading his side to their first Test win in Australia after 27 years.
Australia's star pacer Mitchell Starc bowled a toe-crushing yorker to Joseph which made him retire hurt during the game. The 24-year-old overcame the pain and appeared on the ground on the fourth day. His contribution was vital in the West Indies' eight-run victory against Australia since 1997.
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At the start of the fourth day, he did not expect himself to play until the team physio dosed him with painkillers. He continuously bowled deliveries with a speed of 150 kph after being brought into the attack.
"I'm not putting this ball down until the last wicket falls," Joseph told skipper Kraigg Brathwaite as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.
He had been supposed to move directly to the ILT20 after signing with the Capitals before the Australia trip, but the star pacer will now return home to rest before heading for the PSL.
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The West Indies pacer is unlikely to be lacking offers from T20 leagues throughout the world following a fantastic start to his career, however, following his Gabba exploits, Joseph promised to always be ready for WI service.
"I will always be here to play Test cricket for the West Indies. I am not afraid to say this live. There will be times when T20 might come around and Test cricket will be there ... but I will always be available to play for the West Indies no matter how much money comes towards me," Joseph said.
Joseph was never expected to play in the white-ball phase of the Australia trip, but he might still be considered for the T20 World Cup in June, which will be held in the Caribbean and West Indies. His next opportunity in Test cricket will be during the West Indies tour of England in July, when they will play three Tests.
Meanwhile, after the Test series ended in a draw, West Indies will take on Australia in the ODI series, beginning on Friday in Melbourne.
(With ANI Inputs)