The West Indies, who brought an understrength side to Australia for the Test series, gave debuts to four players, including Joseph, in the two Tests. Australia began the fourth day’s play at 60-2, chasing 216 for victory and with Steve Smith and Cameron Green at the crease, they were overwhelming favourites.

Also Read: Australia vs West Indies: Sinclair celebrates first Test wicket with a cartwheel backflip | Watch video

At the dinner break on Sunday, Australia was 187-8 with Steve Smith unbeaten on 76, and seemingly holding the key for victory for the hosts, which lost six wickets in the first session.

Nathan Lyon was not out on five, with only Josh Hazlewood left to bat for Australia.

After being helped off the ground with what appeared a badly injured toe from a searing Mitchell Starc yorker from the final ball of West Indies’ second innings on Saturday, Joseph returned with a stunning spell of fast bowling to breathe life into the tourists’ push for a famous test victory against Australia.

Joseph took 6-60 off ten overs with the 24-year-old reaching speeds of close to 150 kph (93 mph) and tore through the Australian middle order in a breathtaking spell.

He bowled Cameron Green (42) to break a 71-run stand before blasting through Travis Head’s defence with a yorker with his next ball. It was Head’s second first-ball duck of the match.

Mitch Marsh (10) and Alex Carey (two) both came and went quickly as Australia wobbled and belief grew for West Indies of a stunning upset.

Starc made 21 before he became Joseph’s fifth wicket when he was caught by Kevin Sinclair at cover.

Cummins, who scored a career-high 64 not out in the first innings could only manage two before he edged a ball through to Joshua da Silva with Australia still requiring 41 runs to win.

On Saturday, West Indies made early inroads through as Australia ended Day 3 at 60-2 still needing 156 runs

Australia lost its recently named test player of the year Usman Khawaja (10) and Marnus Labuschagne (5) before Smith and Green saw Australia to stumps.

West Indies wasted numerous opportunities on Saturday to swell its lead beyond 215 runs as it got bowled out for 193 in the last session after No. 11 batter Shamar Joseph had to retire hurt.

Hazlewood picked up 3-23 with his impeccable bowling and Lyon grabbed 3-42 with Starc and Green picking up one wicket apiece. AP SSC SSC.

(With inputs from PTI, AP)

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Published: 28 Jan 2024, 02:17 PM IST