Australia’s formidable pace attack proved far too strong for the West Indies, who were bundled out for just 141 in their second innings, handing the visitors a dominant 159-run win in the first Test at Kensington Oval — with two full days remaining.
Leading the charge was Josh Hazlewood, who delivered a lethal spell of fast bowling to finish with figures of 5 for 43. His performance decimated the West Indies’ hopes of chasing down the target of 301 on a pitch showing signs of wear, with inconsistent bounce and pace.
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The West Indies innings began disastrously as opener Kraigg Brathwaite was dismissed by Mitchell Starc in the opening over. Hazlewood then ripped through the top order, removing John Campbell and debutant Brandon King in consecutive balls before also sending back captain Roston Chase and Keacy Carty.
“There were some helpful cracks in the pitch around good length areas,” Hazlewood said after the match. “The key was to keep hitting those areas consistently and stay patient.”
Australia’s strong showing with the ball came on the back of a solid batting effort earlier in the day. Resuming at 136-4, the visitors strengthened their lead with crucial half-centuries from Travis Head (61), Beau Webster (63), and Alex Carey, who top-scored with a brisk 65.
Head and Webster put on a 102-run partnership for the fifth wicket before Head was trapped lbw by an impressive Shamar Joseph. Carey then anchored the lower order, helping Australia post a commanding second-innings total of 310.
Joseph was once again the standout for the West Indies, claiming 5 for 87 in the innings and ending with impressive match figures of 9 for 133. However, his efforts were undermined by poor fielding — the West Indies dropped as many as seven catches during the match, including a key chance to dismiss Head on 22.
The hosts struggled to contain Australia’s aggressive approach after lunch, with the visitors scoring at a fast clip despite losing wickets.
Chasing a steep target, the West Indies never truly threatened. Shai Hope (30) and Justin Greaves (38*) were the only batters to show some resistance, while Shamar Joseph added a quickfire 44 off 22 balls late in the innings, which proved too little, too late.
Nathan Lyon sealed the win by dismissing Joseph and Jayden Seales in quick succession, and a direct-hit run-out by substitute fielder Marnus Labuschagne added to the West Indies’ collapse.
Australian captain Pat Cummins, who also picked up the wicket of Hope, praised the team’s performance: “We executed our plans well and adapted to the pitch conditions. It was a complete team effort.”
