Cummins: We weren't good enough, and Shamar was totally up for it

       

Although the captain of Australia says they were optimistic going into the game, he praised Shamar Joseph for his seven-wicket performance.

Australia's captain Pat Cummins was optimistic going into the fourth day of the Gabba Test, needing only 156 and having taken eight wickets in their pursuit of 216. However, he gave credit to Shamar Joseph for his remarkable spell, which ultimately resulted in the historic eight-run victory for the West Indies.

Despite hurting his toe in the batting on Saturday, Joseph bowled unmodified for 11.5 overs and ended with 7 for 68 in just his second Test, leveling the two-match series at 1-1.

At the presentation, Cummins stated, "[There is] disappointment after a loss [but] that was a fantastic Test match and a fantastic series." Especially the way Shamar bowled today. He was more than willing, but regrettably, we fell short. "We were optimistic about coming today. Considering the very low total we had yesterday, our efforts were really good. [A goal of] about 200 was doable. West Indies bowled beautifully and had different ideas, but sadly, it was just a bridge too far."

For the first time in this series of Tests, Steven Smith opened the innings and remained undefeated at 91 while wickets fell at the other end. As Australia's first Test opener, he scored six, eleven not out, and twelve in his first three innings. But he was undefeated on 33 overnight, and that was where the hosts had placed their hopes. He made a determined effort to lead Australia to victory, and with one wicket remaining and 20 runs behind, he took an outrageous swing off Alzarri Joseph for a six over fine leg. But Shamar Joseph completed the thrilling victory by flattening Josh Hazlewood's off stump with nine runs remaining.                                       

"Don't think we are surprised [with Smith's innings]," Cummins stated. "From Smithy, we have witnessed it for fifteen years. He was outstanding. In the end, [he] nearly pulled us over the line by himself."

Australia had a busy summer at home, playing three Tests against Pakistan at the start of the year before these two matches against the West Indies. They finished the home summer with a 4-1 record following their defeat in the day-night Test in Brisbane, which was their first pink-ball match.

"We have had the same bowling group for five Test matches for a home summer," Cummins stated. "It was 37 degrees and 80–90% humidity yesterday. Even though it takes a lot of work, you could see the boys charging in and doing a fantastic job. Fantastic summer for the team; we can all feel proud."We've all played this game long enough to know that just when you think you're the best in the world, it quickly humbles you. Every game starts with a 0-0 score. This week's West Indies was outstanding; sometimes you have to learn your lessons the hard way.

"Watching them is really entertaining. We saw a lot of those spectacular celebrations this series, as well as some new fast bowlers, from the West Indies, who have always had some exciting batters. They performed incredibly well, making the series outcome fairly equitable overall."