Before the start of the first Test against Australia, West Indies pacer Shamar Joseph found unexpected motivation through a sharp verbal jab from former Australian cricketer Ian Healy. Reacting to Joseph’s brief remark—“Just look out, that’s all”—about debutant Australian opener Sam Konstas, Healy dismissed the pacer’s confidence, saying he had “delivered crap all year” and advised him to focus on improving his game. Speaking on SENQ Breakfast with Corey Parker, Healy added, “He’s not Curtly Ambrose, champ,” and criticized Joseph for trading words rather than performance, referencing his struggles post-Gabba heroics and an injury-plagued year.
However, Shamar Joseph chose to respond with the ball rather than words. He quickly dismissed Konstas for just 3 runs and followed it up with a stunning delivery that knocked over Cameron Green’s off stump. Joseph nearly picked up another key wicket early when Australia’s No. 3 batter offered a catching chance that was dropped in the slips. Despite the verbal onslaught from Healy, the West Indies quick proved he was far from finished, showing renewed intensity and skill with the ball.
Wicketkeeper Shai Hope, making his return to Test cricket after four years, also made a strong impact. Filling in for Steve Smith, Josh Inglis miscued a pull off Jayden Seales, top-edging the ball high into the air, which Hope safely pouched. That catch was the first of four taken by Hope, who added stability behind the stumps. Together, Joseph and the West Indies bowling attack sent a strong message, turning pre-match criticism into on-field dominance.
