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LSG (Source: X)
West Indies pace sensation Shamar Joseph has bagged an Indian Premier League (IPL) contract. The Guyanese cricketer rose to global fame after he single-handedly led his team to an incredible victory over Australia at their fortress, the Gabba, last month. Joseph's heroics in Test cricket have impressed franchises around the world and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) were the first to acquire his services.
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The IPL's official website on Saturday confirmed that LSG has named Joseph as the replacement for England pacer Mark Wood ahead of the 17th edition of the cash-rich league. Meanwhile, it is not yet known whether Wood has pulled out of the 2024 season or has been injured. The right-arm speedster played in the first Test of the India series in Hyderabad but was rested for the second match in Visakhapatnam.
"Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) named Shamar Joseph as replacement for pacer Mark Wood for the upcoming edition of the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. Joseph will join LSG for INR 3 Crore," the statement said.
The Gabba hero's dream run continues
The 24-year-old Joseph made his international debut in the two-match away Test series against Australia. The Caribbean pacer announced his arrival on the big stage with a first-ball wicket, that too of modern legend Steve Smith. In the same innings, he dismissed another great Test batter, Marnus Labuschagne.
However, it was the second Test in Brisbane, Joseph shook the world. West Indies became only the second team after India to defeat Australia in a Test match at the Gabba since 1988 and all credit goes to this young lad. Joseph was hurt while batting in their second innings after a toe-crushing yorker hit right at the top of his right toe.
His participation in the remainder of the game was uncertain. But he didn't give up and the world witnessed a magical spell from him, finishing with the figures of 11.5-0-68-7 to script history.
This will be a huge addition to LSG in the upcoming edition. The Lucknow-based franchise, which made its debut in the league in 2022, performed well in the last two editions but failed to make it past the knockout stage. It will be interesting to see how Joseph is going to contribute his skills to the franchise.