Hazlewood's Five-For Propels Australia to Decisive First Test Victory Over West Indies

Australia clinched a decisive 159-run victory over the West Indies in the first Test at Kensington Oval, Bridgetown. Josh Hazlewood's exceptional performance, claiming 5 wickets for 43 runs, led to the West Indies being bowled out for a mere 141 in 33.4 overs on the third day, leaving two days unplayed.

Josh Hazlewood celebrates a crucial wicket, contributing to Australia's dominant win.

Australia's second innings recovery to 310 was fueled by impressive half-centuries from Alex Carey, Beau Webster, and Travis Head. They resurrected the innings from a shaky 65-4 position late on day two. Shamar Joseph stood out for the West Indies, taking 5 wickets for 87 runs and concluding the match with remarkable figures of 9-133.

The West Indies' chase faltered early, with Mitchell Starc dismissing Kraigg Brathwaite in the very first over. Hazlewood's accurate bowling proved too much for the West Indies batsmen, as he removed John Campbell and debutant Brandon King in successive deliveries. He continued his dominance by also taking the wickets of captain Roston Chase and Keacy Carty.

Pat Cummins further contributed by dismissing Shai Hope, the top-scorer from the first innings, while a direct hit from substitute fielder Marnus Labuschagne resulted in the run-out of Alzarri Joseph.

Hazlewood commented on his success, stating, "It was just about hitting the right areas time and time again and just being patient. 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 initiated the day with an aggressive partnership, adding 102 runs for the fifth wicket before Head was dismissed lbw by Shamar Joseph for 61.

The partnership could have been curtailed earlier when Greaves dropped a simple catch at second slip when Head was on 22, marking the seventh dropped catch by West Indies in the match.

The Australian batsmen maintained an aggressive approach after lunch, with Carey achieving a top score of 65.

Webster added 63 before being caught behind off Shamar Joseph, who bowled with continued determination.

Shamar Joseph completed his five-wicket haul by dismissing Starc and Hazlewood, with the latter being bowled off an inside edge.

The challenging target of over 200 proved insurmountable for West Indies on the variable-paced surface.

Nathan Lyon sealed the victory by dismissing Shamar Joseph, who contributed 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' struggles with slip catching were apparent throughout the match, with four catches dropped on day one alone.

The victory was a comprehensive one for Australia, resulting from significant contributions from both their batting and bowling departments.