The West Indies could be without one of its star bowlers for the remainder of the Gabba Test after a toe-crushing yorker from Australian quick Mitchell Starc forced Shamar Joseph to retire hurt on Saturday evening.
In the 73rd of the West Indies second innings, Starc produced a trademark inswinger that struck Joseph on the right foot, with umpire Sharfuddoula Saikat awarding the LBW dismissal. However, replays showed that Starc had overstepped the popping crease, meaning the delivery was signalled as a no-ball.
Joseph, who had called for a review, was in immediate discomfort following the delivery, removing his shoe and calling for team medics.
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“He’s in trouble,” Fox Cricket commentator Mark Howard said.
“Immediately Travis Head said, ‘Are you okay?’ and he said, ‘No’.
“This is a real concern, because this man has a big job to do with the ball. He’s in a lot of bother.
“There’s grave concern here for Shamar Joseph.
“He’s in all sorts of trouble.”
Former England captain Michael Vaughan continued: “That’s a painful blow.
“It’s not a great sight at all.
“It hit him flush on that big toe.”
Joseph, who had blood oozing from his big toe, was eventually forced to retire hurt for 3, bringing the West Indies innings to an end, all out for 193.
The 24-year-old, who couldn’t put weight on his right foot, needed assistance from teammate Kevin Sinclair and the team medic to walk off the field. Starc and Australian spinner Nathan Lyon gave the wounded bowler a pat on the back as he awkwardly hobbled off the ground.
Joseph did not return to the field when Australia’s second innings got underway, but scans revealed he had not suffered a fracture.
The hosts have been set a 216-run target for victory.
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