Shamar Joseph wasn't scheduled to be at the Gabba on Sunday morning, but he delivered an exceptional seven-wicket performance, securing a significant victory for West Indies in the second Test against Australia.
The team hadn't defeated the mighty Aussies on their home ground since 1997, a period predating Joseph's birth by two years.
Despite being in just his second Test and dealing with a toe injury, the 24-year-old defied nearly three decades of history to etch his name into the cricketing record books.
Joseph had suffered a toe injury from a Mitchell Starc yorker on Saturday evening, forcing him to retire hurt. Despite visible signs of limping between overs during the run-chase, he showcased remarkable resilience.
"I wasn't even coming to the ground this morning," he said afterwards. "I have to give a shoutout to the doctor. He's an amazing doctor to me – he told me to come to the ground for a reason, even if it's just to support the guys. But I came and he did something to my toe, and it worked."
As Australia came into Sunday's play with two wickets down, Joseph went on to take seven of the eight wickets to fall. The young West Indies team, without key players like Jason Holder and Kyle Mayers, caused a monumental upset as Australia experienced their first-ever defeat in a day-night match.
Joseph's remarkable spell included bowling Cameron Green through the gate, yorking Travis Head for a king pair, having Mitchell Marsh edged to slip, castling Alex Carey, inducing a top-edge from Mitchell Starc on a pull shot, witnessing Joshua de Silva's brilliant catch to dismiss Pat Cummins, and concluding with Josh Hazlewood having his off-stump knocked back.
The celebrations that followed were exuberant, reaching as far as the boundary rope.
"This is just unbelievable," said Brian Lara, who was on commentary for the conclusion. "So proud of everyone on that team."
Joseph, who was a net-bowler in the Caribbean Premier League a few months ago and only made his first-class debut last February, stated that the win feels like they won the series.
"I feel like we win the series, even though it's 1-1. It's really amazing for my teammates; I must give another shoutout to them, they're really encouraging. I'm glad I made them proud," Joseph said.
"Tears could have got to my eyes just now, but I already cried when I got my five-wicket haul. It's just happiness. I'm just happy that we win the Test – when we last beat Australia, I can't even remember. But today is a big day for us, and I just want to say enjoy it, celebrate it and be happy.
"I told my skipper that I would bowl until the end, until the last wicket falls. It doesn't matter how my toes are."
- Shamar Joseph