• Australia produced a dominant all-round performance to crush West Indies in the first Test.

  • Travis Head earned the Player of the Match for his batting brilliance.

Fans erupt as Travis Head & Josh Hazlewood sizzle in Australia’s 159-run victory over West Indies in 1st Test
Travis Head, Josh Hazlewood shine as Australia beat West Indies in the first Test (Image Source: X)

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Australia produced a dominant all-round performance to crush West Indies by 159 runs in the opening Test of the two-match series. On a day that started with Australia firmly in control, the visitors wrapped up the win in dramatic fashion, bundling out West Indies in the final session on Day 3 at Bridgetown. With this comprehensive result, Australia now lead the series 1-0.

Josh Hazlewood runs riot in final session

Set a steep target of 301, West Indies briefly showed signs of resistance before Josh Hazlewood’s relentless spell tore through their batting order. After a solid start that took them to 47/1, the visitors imploded spectacularly. Hazlewood claimed 5 for 43, dismantling the middle order with precision. His scalps included the dangerous Keacy Carty, Brandon King, and West Indies skipper Roston Chase—all falling in quick succession.

Despite a late burst of fireworks from Shamar Joseph, who hammered two monster sixes in a 22-ball 44, the result was never in doubt. Hazlewood’s five-wicket haul was complemented by Nathan Lyon, who picked up the final two wickets in fading light to seal the result.

Australia’s second-innings surge led by Travis Head

Earlier in the day, Australia resumed their second innings at 92 for 4 and laid a solid foundation, thanks to Travis Head’s gritty 61. Head, who also scored a fifty in the first innings, anchored the innings and built a crucial 102-run partnership with Beau Webster. The duo counterattacked effectively, frustrating the West Indies bowlers.

Webster chipped in with a fluent 63, while wicketkeeper Alex Carey took the game further away from the visitors with a brisk 75-ball 65. Their combined efforts pushed Australia’s total to 310, setting the Windies a mammoth fourth-innings chase.

Joseph was once again the standout bowler for West Indies, picking up 5 for 87 and finishing with ten wickets in the match. However, his valiant individual efforts weren’t backed up by the rest of the bowling unit or the batting line-up, which faltered under pressure. Joseph also impressed with the bat, briefly reviving West Indies’ hopes with an entertaining cameo. But a mix of poor shot selection and disciplined bowling from Australia ensured the tourists never got close to the target.

As the day neared its end, Australia opted for the extra 30 minutes to push for victory. Substitute fielder Marnus Labuschagne produced a brilliant direct hit to run out Alzarri Joseph, after which Hazlewood and Lyon swiftly finished off the tail. West Indies were bowled out for 141, handing Australia a big win with two full days to spare.

Also WATCH: WI vs AUS – Shamar Joseph’s fiery in-swinger removes Travis Head on Day 3 of the Bridgetown Test

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Also READ: WI vs AUS: Daren Sammy lashes out at umpire Holdstock’s controversial calls during the tense Bridgetown Test

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AKSHAT GAUR
Akshat is the Sr. Content Strategist at CricketTimes.com. With a passion for storytelling and a keen eye for detail, Akshat has honed his skills over 6 years, working with various media outlets, publications, and organizations to deliver high-quality content that informs, educates, and entertains audiences. He is just another cricket fan who’s grown up watching the likes of Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid. Cricket runs in his veins. Cover drive is his favorite sight, and a ball meeting the middle of the bat is his favorite sound. You can write to him at akshat.gaur@crickettimes.com and follow him on Twitter, Facebook & Linkedin.