Australia secured a dominant 159-run victory against West Indies in the first Test at Kensington Oval in Bridgetown on Friday, as Josh Hazlewood’s devastating spell of 5-43 helped dismiss the hosts for 141 in 33.4 overs on the third day, with two days to spare.Australia’s second innings total of 310 was built on half-centuries from Alex Carey, Beau Webster and Travis Head, who helped recover from a precarious 65-4 position late on day two.Shamar Joseph was the standout bowler for West Indies, claiming five wickets for 87 runs and finishing with impressive match figures of 9-133.The West Indies chase never gained momentum after Mitchell Starc removed former captain Kraigg Brathwaite in the first over.Hazlewood’s precise bowling proved lethal as he dismissed John Campbell and debutant Brandon King in consecutive deliveries, followed by the wickets of captain Roston Chase and Keacy Carty.
Pat Cummins contributed by removing first-innings top-scorer Shai Hope, while substitute fielder Marnus Labuschagne’s direct hit ran out Alzarri Joseph.“It was just about hitting the right areas time and time again and just being patient,” Hazlewood said. “There are a few cracks there on a good length and just short of a length which kept the batters guessing about going forward or back with a few skidding through as we saw.”Head and Webster started the day aggressively, putting on 102 runs for the fifth wicket before Head was trapped lbw by Shamar Joseph for 61.Quiz: Who’s that IPL player?The partnership could have ended earlier had Greaves held onto a straightforward catch at second slip when Head was on 22, marking the seventh dropped catch by West Indies in the match.The Australian batting remained aggressive after lunch despite regular wickets, with Carey top-scoring at 65.Webster contributed 63 before being caught behind off Shamar Joseph, who continued to bowl with determination.Shamar Joseph completed his five-wicket haul by dismissing Starc and Hazlewood, the latter being bowled off an inside edge.The challenging target of over 200 proved insurmountable for West Indies on the two-paced surface.Nathan Lyon wrapped up the victory by dismissing Shamar Joseph, who made an entertaining 44 off 22 balls, and Jayden Seales in consecutive deliveries.Justin Greaves remained unbeaten on 38 as West Indies’ innings concluded.West Indies’ poor slip catching was evident throughout the match, with four catches dropped on day one alone.The victory was comprehensive for Australia, achieved with significant contributions from both their batting and bowling units.
