Australia outclassed West Indies in the opening Test, sealing a massive 159-run victory by Day 3, with Josh Hazlewood leading the charge through a stellar bowling display.
Josh Hazlewood delivered a stellar spell, tearing apart the West Indies batting order with a five-wicket haul, finishing with 5 for 43. His precise and consistent bowling left the West Indies batters clueless as they collapsed for just 141 in their second innings.
Australia Set the Tone Early
Australia recovered impressively from a shaky 65/4, as Travis Head, Beau Webster, and Alex Carey each scored crucial half-centuries to guide their team to a solid second-innings total of 310. Their efforts gave the visitors a solid lead and left West Indies needing 311 runs to win a tough ask on a difficult pitch.
West Indies Struggle Again with the Bat
The run chase got off to a terrible start for the hosts as they lost opener Kraigg Brathwaite in the very first over to Mitchell Starc.
FIVE-WICKET HAUL FOR JOSH HAZELWOOD 👏👏👏 pic.twitter.com/AjeblyghYF
— Manmohan (@GarhManmohan) June 28, 2025
Hazlewood then tore through the top and middle order, removing key players like John Campbell, Brandon King, Roston Chase, and Keacy Carty in quick succession.
Pat Cummins also chipped in, and substitute fielder Marnus Labuschagne stunned everyone with a brilliant direct-hit run out of Alzarri Joseph.
Despite a brave 44 off 22 balls by Shamar Joseph, the fight didn’t last long. Nathan Lyon wrapped things up by claiming the final two wickets, securing Australia’s emphatic victory with two full days still left in the match.
Poor Fielding Hurts West Indies
West Indies had themselves to blame as well. Their slip fielders dropped seven catches during the match a major issue that cost them dearly. One of those dropped chances even allowed Travis Head to go on and score big after being let off early.
Hazlewood Reflects on His Success
After the match, Hazlewood said the key to success was keeping things simple and bowling in the right areas. “The pitch had a few cracks, and some balls stayed low or skidded through. We just needed patience,” he said.
With this big win, Australia have taken a 1-0 lead in the Test series. West Indies will need to regroup quickly, work on their fielding, and hope their batting lineup steps up in the next match.
Quick Stats Recap:
- Josh Hazlewood: 5/43
- Shamar Joseph: Match figures of 9/133
- Australia 2nd Innings: 310
- West Indies 2nd Innings: 141
- Australia win by: 159 runs