Hazlewood's Five-Wicket Haul Propels Australia to First Test Win Over West Indies

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

Josh Hazlewood celebrates a crucial wicket, contributing significantly to Australia's victory.

The Australian second innings saw crucial half-centuries from Alex Carey, Beau Webster, and Travis Head. Their contributions helped the team recover from a shaky 65-4 position late on day two, eventually posting a total of 310.

Shamar Joseph stood out for the West Indies, taking 5 wickets for 87 runs and finishing with match figures of 9-133.

However, the West Indies' chase faltered from the start. Mitchell Starc removed Kraigg Brathwaite in the very first over, setting a negative tone for the innings.

Hazlewood's accuracy proved too much for the West Indies batsmen. 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 also contributed, dismissing Shai Hope, who had top-scored in the first innings. A direct hit from substitute fielder Marnus Labuschagne resulted in the run-out of Alzarri Joseph.

"It was just about hitting the right areas time and time again and just being patient," Hazlewood commented. "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 aggressive intent at the start of the day, forging a 102-run partnership for the fifth wicket. Head was eventually dismissed lbw by Shamar Joseph for 61.

The partnership could have been curtailed earlier had Greaves held a straightforward catch at second slip when Head was on 22. This was the seventh dropped catch by the West Indies in the match, highlighting their fielding woes.

Despite regular wickets falling, the Australian batting maintained its aggressive approach after lunch. Carey emerged as the top-scorer with 65.

Webster added 63 before being caught behind off Shamar Joseph, who continued to bowl with great heart.

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

The target of over 200 proved too steep for the West Indies to chase on the challenging, two-paced surface.

Nathan Lyon sealed the victory by dismissing Shamar Joseph, who provided some late entertainment with a quick-fire 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.

West Indies' struggles in the slip cordon were evident throughout the match, with four catches dropped on day one alone, contributing to their overall poor performance.

The comprehensive victory for Australia was built on strong contributions from both their batting and bowling departments.