Brian Lara and Carl Hooper led an outpouring of emotion as legends, experts and fans processed one of the most thrilling and important victories in the history of West Indies cricket.
Lara was visibly emotional in the Fox Cricket commentary box as Shamar Joseph inspired an epic miracle victory with stunning figures of 7-68 in the second innings as the West Indies won by nine runs.
“This is unbelievable,” a teary Lara told Fox Cricket.
“Twenty-seven years to beat Australia. Young, inexperienced, written off – this West Indies team can stand tall today. West Indies cricket can stand tall.
“Today is a big day in West Indies cricket. Congratulations to every member of that cricket team. What a wonderful occasion.”
Mark Howard released footage of Lara the moment Joseph took the last wicket of Josh Hazlewood and calypso chaos ensued.
Lara’s long-time teammate Carl Hooper was captured openly crying as he processed the magnitude of the result.
Social media lit up with experts, players and fans reacting to one of the great individual performances from Joseph and one of the great Test matches between two nations with proud cricket histories.
The 3 Kings…@gilly381 @BrianLara #Smithy
❤️ test cricket…@FoxCricket pic.twitter.com/rQBxho9z3B— Mark Howard (@MarkHoward03) January 28, 2024
What it means to Carl Hooper! @abcsport #AUSvWI pic.twitter.com/5TlnhWezRS
— Ben Cameron (@BenCameron23) January 28, 2024
Watch this. What joy!!! https://t.co/6bPpw0VwOh
— Stuart Broad (@StuartBroad8) January 28, 2024
