Former Australian wicketkeeper Ian Healy takes a go at West Indies paceman Shamar Joseph for his bowling performance on Day 1 of the first Test against the West Indies in Barbados. In the first innings, the hosts bowled the tourists out for 180 runs in 56.5 overs thanks in large part to Joseph’s 4/46 in 16 overs.
Ian Healy’s compliment follows a few days after he made fun of Joseph’s Test cricket performances since his game-winning 7/68 stint at the Gabba in January 2024.
“He’s bowled beautifully again today and it’s not easy with so much gold around your neck. Yesterday, when I talked about backing up Sam Konstas when an opponent sledges him I sort of talked about what the dressing room might say – is that the context, do you reckon, that I was talking about?” Healy asked co-host, NRL great Corey Parker (via India Today).
Ian Healy claimed that his remarks were misconstrued and that they were aimed more at Sam Konstas than the West Indian pacer.
“Do you believe I was talking about what the dressing room might say to Konstas, or was it me saying something against Shamar Joseph?”
“Geez, they’ve come out at me, haven’t they! They’ve said ‘oh no, I’ve sledged Shamar!’ Apparently, it’s saying I’ve had a personal dig at Shamar,” he said.
Ian Healy questions Shamar Joseph’s consistency after Brisbane 2024 heroics
West Indian pacer Shamar Joseph advised rookie Australian opener Sam Konstas ahead of the first Test: “Just look out, that’s all.” In response to those remarks, Ian Healy claimed that Joseph was not as excellent as Curtly Ambrose in Test cricket, citing his previous performances.
“He’s had a terrible year since he went through us at the Gabba. Shamar has come out today and said ’just look out and watch what is coming’. Ok Shamar, well, you’ve delivered crap all year.”“He’d better improve, that’s what I’m saying in the dressing room. He’s got real trouble. You’re not Curtly Ambrose champ.”
Ian Healy
The West Indies, with Shai Hope and Roston Chase at the crease, were 95/5 at the time of writing.
