Bridgetown, June 28 (UNI) Australia registered a commanding 159-run victory over the West Indies in the first Test at Kensington Oval, wrapping up proceedings within three days.
Fast bowler Josh Hazlewood delivered a devastating spell in the final session, claiming 5 for 43 to skittle the hosts for 141 in their second innings, chasing a target of 301.
The match hung in the balance on the third morning with Australia leading by 82 runs, but a composed and enterprising middle-order effort from Travis Head (50), Beau Webster (63), and Alex Carey (65) helped Australia stretch their lead to 300 before they were bowled out for 310. Head, who posted twin fifties on a challenging surface, was named Player of the Match.
The West Indies began their chase poorly as Mitchell Starc removed Kraigg Brathwaite in the first over. Hazlewood then dismantled the top and middle order with relentless accuracy and hostile short deliveries. John Campbell, who briefly threatened with some unorthodox shots, fell trying to scoop Hazlewood, while Brandon King and Roston Chase followed soon after, the latter gloving a rising ball to short leg.
Captain Pat Cummins added to the damage by bowling Shai Hope with a delivery that skidded low, exposing the surface’s demons. Despite late resistance from Shamar Joseph, who struck two sixes, the innings crumbled quickly. Off-spinner Nathan Lyon ended the match dramatically with two wickets in two balls in what was to be the day's final over.
Earlier in the day, West Indies had again been their own worst enemies in the field, dropping multiple catches. Head was reprieved on 21, while Carey and Webster capitalized on missed chances to build Australia’s defining second-innings total. Carey’s aggressive 65 off just 49 balls ensured Australia had ample cushion despite a difficult pitch.
Shamar Joseph was the standout for the West Indies, bowling tirelessly and taking 5 for 87 in Australia's second innings. However, the lack of support and poor fielding let the home side down in critical phases.
The win gives Australia a 1-0 lead in the two-Test series and valuable points in the ICC World Test Championship standings.
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