Shamar Joseph rewarded with international contract after Gabba heroics

• CWI awarded an international contract to Shamar Joseph.
• He upgraded from a franchise contract.
• He was hailed as a ‘superstar’ by Cummins.

Shamar Joseph’s exceptional performance in the second Test against Australia has been acknowledged by Cricket West Indies (CWI).

On Thursday, 1 February, CWI declared that Shamar Joseph’s current Franchise contract has been upgraded to an International retainer contract.

This decision came after Joseph’s remarkable performance in the second innings of the second Test, where he helped the Windies secure an eight-run victory over Australia in Brisbane. This marked their first win in Australia since 1997.

Enoch Lewis, the CWI Director and Chair of the Cricket Development and Performance Committee, stated,

“As exhilarated as we are, it is also dutiful to elevate Shamar Joseph to a CWI International retainer contract. His extraordinary talent and steadfast dedication serve as the cornerstone of our team’s recent triumph at the Gabba, and such promise merits its due recognition. Shamar has not just been rewarded with a retained contract he has earned it.”

During the fourth day of the second Test, Joseph’s participation was uncertain after a powerful yorker from Mitchell Starc hit his toe in the third innings, causing him to retire due to injury.

While Australia was on the verge of victory with a target of 216, the 24-year-old Joseph stepped in and delivered an impressive spell of 7/68, bowling 12 overs consecutively.

Joseph was awarded both the Player of the Match and Player of the Series titles, and received commendation from Pat Cummins, who referred to the young player as a ‘superstar.’