WI vs AUS: Shamar Joseph keeps away from toe fracture after Starc scare, West Indies eye brighter day four

In a recent twist at the Gabba, West Indies fast bowler Shamar Joseph, who retired hurt after a fierce blow from Mitchell Starc's yorker, has received good news on the injury front. Initial concerns of a possible fracture to his toe have been dispelled, opening the door for Joseph to potentially contribute on the fourth day as West Indies defend their target of 216.

Starc's delivery struck Joseph's boot, initially resulting in an LBW decision that was later overturned as a no-ball by the third umpire. Despite the reprieve, Joseph, already in pain, had to leave the field. The subsequent examination revealed no fracture, providing a sigh of relief for the West Indies camp.

"He will continue to be monitored by the medical team and assessed tomorrow," stated a release posted on X.

Joseph's injury had left West Indies with a limited bowling attack, with only two frontline quicks available. However, the team displayed resilience, with Kemar Roach, Alzarri Joseph, allrounder Justin Greaves, and offspinner Kevin Sinclair striving for a historic victory in Australia. However, Alzarri Joseph acknowledged the challenges but remained optimistic.

"At the end of the day, the game has to go on and we have a job to do. Can't worry about who's not there. Think we bowled pretty well. It's just for us to come tomorrow and keep pegging away. We still have eight wickets to get, you never know what could happen on the fourth day. As long as we bowl the ball in the right areas we can still win this game," as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

The game isn't done yet so there could be more: Joseph

Reflecting on the ongoing series between Australia and West Indies, Joseph commended the team's resilience, highlighting the determined effort with bat and ball. He expressed confidence, stating they would draw considerable confidence from the series, emphasizing that the game isn't over, leaving room for more twists.

"I like the fight the boys have put in with bat and ball. We'll take quite a bit of confidence from this series but the game isn't done yet so there could be more," he added.

Joseph, who made a remarkable Test debut in Adelaide, became an overnight sensation by dismissing Steven Smith with his first ball and finishing with five for 94. Despite the injury setback in Brisbane, the West Indies remain hopeful of securing a historic victory as they head into the crucial fourth day.