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

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

Josh Hazlewood's stellar bowling performance sealed the victory for Australia.

Australia's second innings was highlighted by resilient half-centuries from Alex Carey, Beau Webster, and Travis Head. Their contributions were crucial in recovering the innings from a shaky 65-4 position on the second day.

Shamar Joseph stood out for the West Indies, taking five wickets for 87 runs. His match figures were an impressive 9-133.

The West Indies' chase faltered early as Mitchell Starc removed Kraigg Brathwaite, the former captain, in the very first over.

Hazlewood's accuracy proved devastating. He dismissed John Campbell and debutant Brandon King with consecutive deliveries, followed by the key wickets of captain Roston Chase and Keacy Carty.

Pat Cummins contributed by taking the wicket of Shai Hope, the top-scorer from the first innings, while Marnus Labuschagne, as a substitute fielder, executed a direct hit to run out Alzarri Joseph.

"It was just about hitting the right areas time and time again and just being patient," Hazlewood stated. "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 displayed aggression early in the day, forging a 102-run partnership for the fifth wicket before Head was dismissed lbw by Shamar Joseph for 61.

The partnership could have been cut short when Greaves dropped a straightforward catch at second slip when Head was on 22. This was the seventh dropped catch by West Indies in the match.

Despite regular wickets falling, the Australian batting lineup maintained an aggressive approach after lunch, with Carey achieving a top score of 65.

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

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

The challenging target, exceeding 200, proved too much for the West Indies on the unpredictable pitch.

Nathan Lyon sealed the victory by dismissing Shamar Joseph, who contributed an entertaining 44 off 22 balls, and Jayden Seales with consecutive deliveries.

Justin Greaves remained unbeaten on 38 as the West Indies' innings came to an end.

Throughout the match, West Indies' poor slip catching was evident, with four catches dropped on day one alone.

The victory was comprehensive for Australia, driven by significant contributions from both their batting and bowling units.