Teen West Indian fast bowler debuts with Virat Kohli’s prized scalp
KOLKATA: West Indian teen pacer Alzarri Joseph made a dream debut on Tuesday when he scalped Indian captain Virat Kohli in his third over on the first day of the third Test at Gros Islet.
Joseph, a member of the West Indian colts side that picked up the Under-19 World Cup in Bangladesh this February, surprised Kohli with a scorcher that reared up after being banged in short just outside off.
Kohli was caught off-guard with the pace and the extra lift and looked to fend with hard hands, but ended up nicking to Darren Bravo at first slip.
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The Indian captain, who has scores of 200 and 44 so far in the series, promoted himself to the number-three position in place of Cheteshwar Pujara, who has made way for Rohit Sharma.
Kohli, however, lasted only eight deliveries and scored three in his new position.
Joseph’s first international wicket reduced India to 19 for two in the sixth over, the delivery that fetched him the prized scalp clocking 141 kph.
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His first spell read five overs, one maiden, 15 runs and one wicket.
The 19-year-old was playing in the Caribbean Premier League for St Kitts and Nevis Patriots when he was called for national duty before the second Test at Antigua that ended in a draw.
Joseph sat out in Antigua, but received his cap from West Indian legend Joel Garner on Tuesday morning. He replaced Devendra Bishoo.
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The teenager, who also holds the distinction of bowling the fastest delivery at the U-19 World Cup at 143 kph, had played just eight first-class matches before making his Test debut.
India were 87 for 3 at lunch, with Ajainkya Rahane, 17 and Rohit Sharma, 9, at the crease.
KL Rahul scored his first 50 in this Test before he chipped an attempted flick to short fine leg. He had three centuries from six Tests before this, but no score between 16 and the three-figure mark.