Hazlewood's Five-for Seals Decisive Australia Win Over West Indies in First Test

Josh Hazlewood's exceptional bowling performance propelled Australia to a commanding 159-run victory over the West Indies in the first Test match at Kensington Oval, Bridgetown. Hazlewood's figures of 5-43 were instrumental in dismissing the hosts for a mere 141 in 33.4 overs on the third day, wrapping up the match with two days to spare.

Josh Hazlewood celebrates taking a wicket during the first Test match.

Australia's second innings total of 310 was anchored by resilient half-centuries from Alex Carey, Beau Webster, and Travis Head. Their efforts were crucial in recovering the innings from a shaky 65-4 position late on day two.

Shamar Joseph stood out as the pick of the bowlers for the West Indies, claiming an impressive five wickets for 87 runs. He concluded the match with remarkable figures of 9-133.

However, the West Indies' chase faltered from the outset, with Mitchell Starc dismissing Kraigg Brathwaite in the very first over.

Hazlewood's accurate and probing bowling soon became the defining factor. He removed John Campbell and debutant Brandon King in successive deliveries, before adding the key wickets of captain Roston Chase and Keacy Carty.

Pat Cummins further chipped in by dismissing Shai Hope, the top-scorer from the first innings, while a direct hit from substitute fielder Marnus Labuschagne led to the run-out of 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 began the day's play with aggressive intent, forging a 102-run partnership for the fifth wicket. Head was eventually dismissed lbw by Shamar Joseph for 61.

The partnership could have been broken earlier if Greaves had managed to hold onto a straightforward catch at second slip when Head was on 22. This was the seventh dropped catch by the West Indies in the match.

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

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

Shamar Joseph completed his well-deserved five-wicket haul by dismissing both Starc and Hazlewood.

The target, which exceeded 200, proved to be an insurmountable challenge for the West Indies on a tricky, two-paced surface.

Nathan Lyon sealed the victory by dismissing Shamar Joseph, who entertained the crowd with a quickfire 44 off just 22 balls, and Jayden Seales in consecutive deliveries.

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

West Indies' struggles with slip catching were evident throughout the match, with four catches dropped on the first day alone.

Ultimately, it was a comprehensive victory for Australia, underpinned by significant contributions from both their batting and bowling departments.