Shamar Joseph is a Guyanese international cricketer and fast bowler known for his raw pace, aggressive seam bowling, and rapid rise from humble beginnings to Test cricket prominence. A left-handed lower-order batter and right-arm fast bowler, Joseph has become a spearhead of the West Indies bowling attack in red-ball cricket and an emerging fast-bowling talent in global franchise leagues.
Joseph made his Test debut for West Indies on 17 January 2024 against Australia at the Adelaide Oval, immediately drawing attention by dismissing Steve Smith with his first delivery in Test cricket and recording a five-wicket haul on debut — a rare dual achievement in the sport.
In his second Test, Joseph produced a match-turning performance with figures including 7/68, helping West Indies secure their first Test win in Australia in 27 years — an impactful corridor spell that was decisive in a narrow eight-run victory.
He expanded his international résumé with his ODI debut on 2 November 2024 against England and his T20I debut on 23 May 2024 versus South Africa, underscoring his progression into multiple formats for the West Indies.
Joseph’s early international success also earned him ICC Men’s Player of the Month honors for January 2024, the first West Indies recipient of the award following his breakout Test achievements.
Joseph’s domestic breakthrough came through Guyana first-class cricket, earning a place in the team after strong performances in local Division 1 cricket and fast-bowling trials, despite not having represented Guyana at junior levels previously.
In franchise T20 cricket, Joseph has represented the Guyana Amazon Warriors in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) and secured opportunities overseas, including stints with Peshawar Zalmi, Lucknow Super Giants, and Durban’s Super Giants, showcasing his pace and strike ability across varied conditions.
Joseph is characterized by right-arm fast bowling with notable pace, bounce, and the ability to extract movement — attributes that have elevated him into a leading seam option for the West Indies, especially in red-ball cricket. His capacity to strike early and sustain pressure has made him a central figure in series-defining bowling performances.
With the bat, Joseph’s lower-order contributions, including key partnerships, have added resilience, while his athleticism and competitive intensity contribute to his broader impact within the team environment.
Shamar Joseph is a fast-bowling standout for the West Indies whose explosive debut and early career milestones — including debut five-wicket hauls and match-winning spells abroad — have established him as a key figure in modern West Indian pace bowling. His rapid ascent from domestic standout to international match-winner reflects both his raw talent and growing influence in the highest tiers of cricket.