Australia Dominates West Indies in First Test, Hazlewood's Five-for Seals Victory

Josh Hazlewood's stellar performance propelled Australia to a commanding 159-run victory against the West Indies in the first Test at Kensington Oval, Bridgetown. Hazlewood's impressive figures of 5-43 played a crucial role in dismissing the hosts for a mere 141 in 33.4 overs on the third day, leaving two days unplayed.

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

Shamar Joseph emerged as the standout bowler for the West Indies, claiming an impressive five wickets for 87 runs, culminating in remarkable match figures of 9-133.

However, the West Indies' chase faltered early as Mitchell Starc removed former captain Kraigg Brathwaite in the very first over.

Hazlewood's exceptional accuracy proved to be the undoing of the West Indies' batting lineup. He claimed the wickets of John Campbell and debutant Brandon King in successive deliveries, followed by the dismissals of captain Roston Chase and Keacy Carty.

Pat Cummins further contributed by dismissing first-innings top-scorer Shai Hope, while 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 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 displayed aggression at the start of the day, forging a partnership of 102 runs for the fifth wicket before Head was dismissed lbw by Shamar Joseph for 61.

The partnership could have been curtailed earlier had Greaves held onto a straightforward catch at second slip when Head was on 22, highlighting the West Indies' struggles in the field with their seventh dropped catch of the match.

The Australian batting maintained its attacking approach after lunch, with Carey leading the scoring with 65.

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

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

The imposing target of over 200 proved insurmountable for the West Indies on the challenging, two-paced surface.

Nathan Lyon sealed the victory by dismissing Shamar Joseph, who contributed an entertaining 44 off 22 balls, and Jayden Seales in consecutive deliveries.

Justin Greaves remained unbeaten on 38 as the West Indies' innings came to a close.

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

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