Test cricket is alive and kicking!

Sunday saw the conclusion of two exciting Test matches taking place on opposite sides of the world. The cricketing world was gripped as the West Indies defeated Australia at the Gabba, while England made a stunning comeback on the subcontinent.

If a reminder was needed as to why Test cricket is the best format of this game, Sunday provided just that…

Shamar Joseph, remember the name!

Shamar Joseph took seven wickets as West Indies won a Test in Australia for the first time since 1997.

Fast bowler Joseph, who hobbled off in tears after being injured by a Mitchell Starc yorker, required medical attention before the start of play on day four. At one point, he even contemplated not travelling to the ground.

However, he made a remarkable recovery and bowled almost 12 overs straight through, which turned out to be crucial in securing the victory.

The West Indies cricketer, hailing from the Guyanese village of Baracara, left his job as a security guard only 18 months ago. He has since made a mark on West Indian cricket and was praised as “a champion” by Brian Lara.

See Shamar in action below, clipping Josh Hazelwood’s off stump for the last wicket, leading to an ecstatic celebration!

West Indies have 𝗯𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗻 Australia in their own backyard for the first time since 1997!

Test cricket at its finest 🤩#AUSvWI pic.twitter.com/MpqYUy8Icv
— Cricket on TNT Sports (@cricketontnt) January 28, 2024

We celebrated the West Indies’ incredible victory by showing support in our own unique way. Take a look at the Barmy Army’s trumpeter, Finchy, playing ‘Rally Round the West Indies’ during the Test match in Hyderabad.

Test cricket ey.

Tom Hartley gets England right in it with two wickets.

At the same time, West Indies win by 8 runs in Brisbane.

WHAT A SPORT ❤️ pic.twitter.com/ckk6tdZyUo
— England's Barmy Army 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🎺 (@TheBarmyArmy) January 28, 2024

Watch England take on the West Indies with the Barmy Army this summer…

England’s greatest overseas Test victory

Stokesy’s side overcame a 190-run first-innings deficit to triumph by 28 runs.

In a stunning display of skill, determination, and teamwork, the England men’s cricket team secured a historic victory against India in Hyderabad. The match looked to have slipped away from England after scoring just 246 in the first innings, with India posting 436 in reply.

Despite the difficult start, England’s vice-captain, Ollie Pope, rose to the occasion and played an exceptional second innings, scoring 196 runs. Showcasing exceptional maturity against India’s formidable spin attack gave England a real fighting chance of winning the match.

Step forward England debutant Tom Hartley. After seeing his first ball as a Test cricketer whacked into the Hyderabad skies for six, he bounced back with a heroic spell of spin bowling in the game’s fourth innings, taking a career-best seven for 62.

With additional wickets from Rooty and Leachy and a moment of magic from England’s skipper, Ben Stokes, who used his exceptional fielding to dismiss Jadeja from an almost impossible position, the comeback was complete.

The scenes of jubilation among the players and the travelling English supporters reflected the magnitude of the achievement. Captain Stokes, hailed as the architect of the triumph, lauded his team’s collective effort and emphasised the team’s appreciation of the Barmy Army.

This moment, on repeat.#INDvENG pic.twitter.com/TLuRq7f9tT
— England's Barmy Army 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🎺 (@TheBarmyArmy) January 28, 2024

Great week @TheBarmyArmy our MOM as always thank you 🙏
— Ben Stokes (@benstokes38) January 28, 2024

This victory holds immense significance for England, marking a historic moment in their ‘Bazball’ cricketing journey. The series win against India in their own backyard is a testament to the team’s skill, adaptability, and determination. As we celebrate this remarkable triumph, cricket fans around the world eagerly anticipate more thrilling Test encounters in the coming months.

Join the Barmy Army for the series finale in Dharamsala…

Schedule for England Men’s 2024 Tour of India

1st Test: Hyderabad, 25-29 January – England won by 28 runs
2nd Test: Vizag, 2-6 February
3rd Test: Rajkot, 15-19 February
4th Test: Ranchi, 23-27 February
5th Test: Dharamsala, 7-11 March

How to watch India v England Test series on TNT Sports

TNT Sports is the new official broadcast home of England men’s tours of India in 2024, 2025 and 2028. England supporters can follow every single delivery, boundary or wicket of England’s Test tour.