Australia’s formidable pace unit, led by Josh Hazlewood, crushed West Indies’ fragile batting lineup to seal a dominant 159-run victory late on the third day of the first Test at Kensington Oval on Friday.
Hazlewood was the standout performer, taking 5 for 43 as the hosts were bundled out for just 141 in 33.4 overs, chasing a daunting target on a tricky, two-paced surface. The collapse ensured Australia wrapped up the match with two full days to spare.
Resuming at 65-4, Australia had earlier recovered through half-centuries from Alex Carey (65), Travis Head (61), and Beau Webster (63) to post 310 in their second innings and set the West Indies a target well beyond reach on this wearing surface.
Shamar Joseph continued his impressive rise, claiming 5 for 87 in the second innings for a match haul of 9 for 133, but lacked support as dropped catches haunted the West Indies again—seven in total across both innings, including a costly drop of Head early on day three.
The chase began in disastrous fashion with Kraigg Brathwaite falling to Mitchell Starc in the first over. Hazlewood then tore through the middle order with surgical precision, removing John Campbell and debutant Brandon King in successive deliveries and later dismissing Roston Chase and Keacy Carty.
Captain Pat Cummins dismissed first-innings top scorer Shai Hope, while substitute fielder Marnus Labuschagne added to the misery with a sharp run-out of Alzarri Joseph from mid-off.
Hazlewood later returned to remove Jomel Warrican, while Nathan Lyon wrapped things up with the wickets of Shamar Joseph—who briefly entertained with a blazing 44 off 22—and Jayden Seales, both falling in the same over.
“It was just about hitting the right areas time and again and being patient,” said Hazlewood after the win. “There are cracks on a good length that kept batters uncertain, skidding some through.”
The match could have taken a different shape if not for a string of missed opportunities in the field by the West Indies. Their sloppy slip catching continued from day one, including a costly drop by Justin Greaves, who failed to hold on to Head early in his innings.
Australia’s intent was clear from the outset of day three. Head and Webster added 102 for the fifth wicket with controlled aggression. Though wickets fell after lunch, the Aussies scored at nearly a run a minute, maintaining pressure throughout.
Despite Shamar Joseph’s efforts—including dismissing Starc and bowling Hazlewood to complete his five-for—the West Indies’ batting lacked resilience. Only Greaves (38*) and Joseph himself (44) offered any resistance.
The emphatic win gives Australia a 1–0 lead in the series, reinforcing their status as one of the most complete Test sides in the game.
