Shamar Joseph gave a lot of confidence to the team: Kraigg Brathwaite

Shamar Joseph’s impressive debut was arguably West Indies’ biggest positive from the first Test against Australia. With many cricketers opting to play franchise cricket, the visitors had problems in picking the right players but as things stand, they have hit the jackpot with Shamar’s selection. Batting at No. 11, the 24-year-old made 36 runs off 41 deliveries in the first innings and later went on to pick up a five-for on debut to keep West Indies in the hunt in Adelaide.

West Indies skipper Kraigg Brathwaite too was impressed with Shamar’s impactful debut in red-ball cricket. He acknowledged the difference in quality among both teams and mentioned that the pacer’s performance will give others a lot of confidence in the second Test at the Gabba. Brathwaite also added that he wasn’t surprised with Shamar’s performance as he always believed in his quality.

“(Shamar’s) belief is amazing. If all the guys could have that that'd be great. But he's obviously a special, special guy and he gave a lot of confidence to the team as well when you see him playing his shots and for the batters I just want them to go out there and enjoy themselves,” Brathwaite was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.

“It's a great start to his international career and he has a bright future for the West Indies. I wasn't surprised. I really believe he's something special. And I was very happy for him,” the 31-year-old added.

Very pleased with what I saw from those debutants: Brathwaite

Alongside Shamar, Kavem Hodge and Justin Greaves also made their debuts in the first Test against Australia. Even though neither of the cricketers could make any significant impact, skipper Brathwaite was happy with what he saw as he believed that the cricketers would learn by playing against the number-one Test-ranked team in the world.

“I think it's good for the guys to get out there and play and experience what it is to play international cricket. It's great to be playing against the number one team in the world because you pretty much know where you stand after here. I was very, very pleased with what I saw from those debutants,” Brathwaite said.