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Shamar’s Brilliant Spell Spurs South Africa’s Recovery

Shamar Joseph's Five-Wicket Haul Dominates South Africa, But Proteas Fight Back

South Africa – Shamar Joseph made a memorable debut in Test cricket on home soil with a five-wicket performance, but South Africa fought back strongly as 17 wickets fell on a dramatic first day of the second and final Test on Thursday.

Joseph’s impressive five-wicket haul for 33 runs led to the dismissal of the Proteas for 160 after they opted to bat first.

In response, South Africa’s seamer Wiaan Mulder struck back with four wickets for just 18 runs, leaving the Caribbean team struggling at 97 for seven by the end of the day.

After being left out of the rain-affected first Test in Trinidad a week earlier, Shamar Joseph bounced back with impressive form and energy reminiscent of his debut series in Australia last January. There, he famously led the West Indies to their first Test victory in Australia in 27 years with a stunning seven-wicket haul on the final day of the Brisbane Test.

In contrast to his underwhelming performance in two Tests in England last month, where he struggled with match fitness, the Guyanese pacer made a strong return as the first-change bowler on a humid morning in Guyana.

Joseph quickly dismissed opener Aiden Markram, and with valuable support from fellow pacer Jayden Seales (3 for 45), his consistent pace and full-length deliveries proved too challenging for the South Africans, who were aided by favorable conditions for fast bowling.

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“It’s a great feeling to have achieved this at home,” said the 24-year-old Joseph after his third five-wicket haul in Test innings. “Though I haven’t played much here at Providence, I always approach with a clear plan to meet the team’s needs, and I’m glad I was able to contribute today.”

A late stand of 63 runs by Dane Piedt (38 not out) and Nandre Burger (23) helped South Africa surpass the hundred-run mark. Interestingly, both were selected primarily for their bowling prowess after batsman Ryan Rickelton and fast bowler Lungi Ngidi were dropped from the first Test squad.

Buoyed by this late resistance, the South African bowlers dismantled the West Indies top order. Burger was the first to make an impact by dismissing Mikyle Louis, but it was Wiaan Mulder’s introduction in place of Kagiso Rabada that led to a dramatic turnaround. Mulder’s medium pace and effective seam movement had the West Indies reeling at 56 for six, surpassing his previous best of three for one against the West Indies in St Lucia three years ago.

Reflecting on his career-best Test bowling performance, Wiaan Mulder acknowledged, “I didn’t bowl at my best, but I had several advantages today. I aimed to emulate Shamar’s earlier performance by bowling a length that made it hard for the batters to score. While he’s naturally quicker than me, the pitch suited my style of bowling, which allowed me to make the most of it.”

Jason Holder (33 not out) and Gudakesh Motie managed to stave off a total collapse, though Motie’s dismissal in the final over of the day to Keshav Maharaj puts even more pressure on Holder. The former captain will need to make the most of the lower-order batting on the second morning to reduce the first innings deficit as much as possible.

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