Hazlewood Shines Bright as Australia Crushes West Indies in First Test
The drama unfolded quickly in Barbados, with Australia needing barely three days to claim a strong 159-run victory over the West Indies in the first Test at Kensington Oval. The standout story? Josh Hazlewood ripping through the West Indies' batting lineup with a fiery spell of 5/43, silencing anyone who doubted his place in the side after the World Test Championship Final. With the pitch offering just enough help, Hazlewood’s precision and movement were simply too much for the young West Indies side.
West Indies started their chase with an uphill climb, needing 301 for victory. Things turned ugly fast—they stumbled to 56/5 on the back of relentless Australian pace and smart field settings. Any hope for a miraculous fightback was slim. Shamar Joseph injected some energy, swinging hard for his 44, and Justin Greaves mounted a patient unbeaten 38, but the scoreboard kept their dreams firmly out of reach. The rest of the lineup failed to handle the pressure, and the hosts ended their second innings at 141 all out.
The collapse was clinical. Hazlewood struck early and often, and once Nathan Lyon found his groove, he wrapped things up with two wickets in the final over, killing off any last hint of West Indian resistance. The experienced attack made sure there were no loose ends as stumps approached.
Key Moments That Defined the Contest
Australia didn’t have everything their way in this game, especially in the first innings. They were bowled out for just 180, thanks to some sharp West Indian bowling led by Jayden Seales, who picked up a lively 5/60. But the Aussies know how to grind—it’s almost their trademark. They hit back with the ball, rolling the West Indies for 190. The match was evenly poised, but then came the tide-turning second innings for Australia.
This time, the visitors found unlikely heroes: Alex Carey dug in for a gritty 65, and Travis Head played with intent to score 61. They stitched together vital partnerships that slowly swung momentum back in Australia's favor. Posting 310 in their second effort, Australia set a steep target of 301—a mountain that proved far too high for the home side.
By the time the dust settled, Australia’s bowlers—led by Josh Hazlewood—had shown exactly why they’re feared around the world. Hazlewood’s five-for in just 12 overs was ruthless, putting a stamp on the series opener and giving Australia a 1-0 edge in the three-Test rubber. For the West Indies, the flashes of resistance from Joseph and Greaves showed some heart, but consistent batting continues to be their Achilles’ heel.
With two more Tests to go, Australia will be eyeing a clean sweep. For the West Indies, finding a way past Hazlewood, Lyon, and company remains the big puzzle to solve as the series rolls on.
