3 records Shamar Joseph could break in Test cricket
West Indies speedster Shamar Joseph produced an incredible spell of fast bowling to skittle out South Africa for 160 in the first innings of the ongoing second Test in Guyana. The 24-year-old finished with figures of 5/33 to rattle the Proteas batting line-up.
After skipper Temba Bavuma won the toss and opted to bat, Jayden Seales started the slide with the wicket of Tony de Zorzi in the fourth over of the innings. Shamar Joseph then bowled a peach of a delivery by bringing it back sharply to rattle Aiden Markram's off stump.
Joseph continued to dismantle the South African lineup by trapping Bavuma off the second delivery he faced. He also accounted for David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne and Keshav Maharaj to finish with a five-wicket haul in his first Test on home soil. It was a stunning final wicket stand between Dane Piedt and Nandre Burger which propelled them to 160.
What stood out was the authority with which Shamar Joseph tormented the visitors. He breathed fire all through the fourteen overs he bowled. Having said that, let us have a look at three records Shamar Joseph could break in Test cricket.
# 1. Best strike rate by a fast bowler in West Indies
It has been an incredible introduction to Test cricket for Shamar Joseph. A strike rate of 36.9 tells the story. He bowled the West Indies to an incredible Test win in Australia after 27 years in January. He wasn't at his best in England but, what transpired in the second Test against the Proteas, is a clear indication of Shamar’s prowess in home conditions.
The line and length Joseph hits, coupled with his ability to produce wicket-taking deliveries time and again, make him one of the most potent weapons, especially in home conditions. In his brief career so far, Shamar has been injury-prone and needs to tread carefully. If he does stay fit, Shamar could certainly become the fast bowler with the best strike rate in the West Indies.
# 2. Best bowling average in home conditions
Another record that Shamar Joseph might end up owning by the end of his Test career is the best bowling average in home conditions. He is currently playing his maiden home Test and has a long way to go. However, given his talent and abilities, it won't be a surprise if he maintains his current average of 28.47.
Shamar's ability to consistently produce wicket-taking deliveries makes him a special bowler. He can swing the ball both ways and also generate exaggerated seam movement, especially on wickets which suits his type of bowling. Shamar will look to play an instrumental role in the second innings of the ongoing Test to help the Windies win the match and the series.
# 3. Shamar Joseph could end up bagging the most wickets for a West Indies bowler in a two-match series
Shamar Joseph broke the backbone of the South African batting line-up in the first innings of the ongoing second Test versus South Africa. The wicket looked a bit spicy and he kept hitting the right lengths. He would like to complement his fifer with another dominating performance in the second essay.
With the West Indies mostly playing two-match Test series, Shamar Joseph has the opportunity to break the record for the most wickets in a two-game assignment. Rangana Herath currently holds the record with 23 wickets.
For the West Indies, Shane Shillinford tops the list with 19 scalps. Given how Shamar Joseph has started his career at home, it shouldn't be a surprise if he ends up breaking this record.