Windies win stirs world reaction

Unforgettable moments are the greatest legacy of Test cricket and from South African superstar AB de Villiers to former Pakistan pace ace Shoaib Akhtar, the breakthrough West Indies win over Australia in Brisbane struck a chord of worldwide emotion.

Former West Indies coach and player Phil Simmons also declared boom fast bowler Shamar Joseph and his “passion” as key rallying his teammates to ensure the stunning victory at the Gabba was not a one-off.

On a stirring day for Test cricket, with England also staging a remarkable comeback to defeat India in India,

Joseph’s ironman effort to overcome the pain of a badly hurt toe and bowl 11 overs unchanged, snaring 7-68 to almost single-handedly inflict Australia’s first defeat in a day-night match, sparked an outpouring of support.

West Indian greats Brian Lara and Carl Hooper were in tears at the Gabba, but the reach of the result was global.

Proteas legend de Villiers said he had “tears in my eyes” reading the story of Joseph, who two years ago had never played an official cricket match, while even former Australian Test star Damien Martyn said the West Indies had “roared back to life”. Simmons labelled it an “amazing day” and “awesome” and said Joseph could be the catalyst for a West Indian resurgence.

“You can see his passion and that’s what’s going to carry him far in the game,” he said.

“It’s also going to help him to drive a lot of these other young players with him.”

Simmons said it was important not to lose momentum. “We’ve got to make sure this team is kept together,” he told SEN.

“I love the look of the middle order, and playing more matches together, that’s how we are going to grow.”

Captain Kraigg Brathwaite also advocated for more Tests for his team, which won’t play Australia again until 2025.

“Our next Test is July 10, which is a long while away. I believe we have the talent and have shown the world we can win Test matches,” he said.