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Josh Hazlewood’s Five-Wicket Haul Powers Australia to Convincing Win Over West Indies
Australia Seal 159-Run Victory to Go 1-0 Up in Two-Test Series
Australia registered a commanding 159-run win over West Indies in the first Test, thanks to a scintillating five-wicket haul from Josh Hazlewood. The veteran pacer claimed 5 for 43 as West Indies dramatically lost all ten wickets in the final session of Day 3, folding for just 141 in pursuit of a 301-run target. Nathan Lyon polished off the tail with two wickets in two balls, ensuring Australia wrapped up the match with two days to spare and took a 1-0 lead in the two-match Test series.
Hazlewood Triggers Final Session Collapse
West Indies Falter After Bright Start
Chasing 301, West Indies began with some promise, despite losing captain Kraigg Brathwaite early to a Mitchell Starc delivery that was flicked to backward square leg. John Campbell and Keacy Carty then put together a lively partnership, with Campbell playing aggressively and Carty surviving a dropped catch by Cameron Green on 1.
However, Hazlewood quickly swung the momentum in Australia’s favor. Campbell attempted an ill-timed scoop and gloved it to Alex Carey behind the stumps. Carty, who had started settling in, was clean bowled soon after. In a blink, the West Indies were reduced from 47/1 to 56/5, as Brandon King and captain Roston Chase also fell to Hazlewood’s accuracy and sharp movement.
Australia Extend Lead With Clinical Second Innings
Earlier in the day, Australia resumed their second innings at 92/4 and posted a healthy 310, thanks largely to crucial contributions from Travis Head, Beau Webster, and Alex Carey. Head, who was dropped on 21 by Justin Greaves at second slip, made the West Indies pay with a measured 61, his second half-century of the match.
His 102-run partnership with debutant Beau Webster provided Australia with a vital cushion. Webster compiled a solid 63 before falling after lunch. Carey’s aggressive 65 from 75 balls ensured Australia set a daunting target for the visitors.
🔗 For insights on Australia’s recent dominance at home, check out our Australia Test Series Archive.
Shamar Joseph Shines Amidst Chaos
Despite the result, West Indies’ pace sensation Shamar Joseph was a bright spot, returning with figures of 5 for 87 in the second innings. His raw pace and aggression troubled the Australians, and his resilience was further highlighted with the bat when he struck a quickfire 44 off just 22 balls, including two massive sixes that sailed out of the ground.
He was supported briefly by Justin Greaves, but the lack of partnerships and scoreboard pressure proved too much. The final blow came in the extended 30-minute session when Marnus Labuschagne, on as a substitute fielder, effected a direct-hit run out of Alzarri Joseph.
Hazlewood then completed his five-for by dismissing Jomel Warrican. Lyon cleaned up the remaining two wickets in near darkness, removing Shamar and Jayden Seales in consecutive deliveries to bring the innings to a close.
Match Summary and Key Performances
Brief Scores:
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Australia 1st Innings: 180 (Travis Head 59; Jayden Seales 5/60)
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West Indies 1st Innings: 190 (Shai Hope 48; Mitchell Starc 3/65)
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Australia 2nd Innings: 310 (Alex Carey 65, Travis Head 61, Beau Webster 63; Shamar Joseph 5/87)
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West Indies 2nd Innings: 141 (Shamar Joseph 44; Josh Hazlewood 5/43, Nathan Lyon 2/17)
Result: Australia won by 159 runs and lead the 2-match series 1–0.
🔗 For more statistics and match analysis, visit the ESPNcricinfo Match Centre.
Australia once again demonstrated their dominance in home conditions, with a collective batting effort and an incisive bowling attack. Josh Hazlewood’s return to form with a five-wicket haul and Travis Head’s consistent run with the bat were the key takeaways from a match that Australia controlled for the most part. West Indies will need a significant turnaround in the second Test if they are to level the series.
