Hazlewood's Five-Wicket Haul Propels Australia to First Test Win Over West Indies

Josh Hazlewood delivered a stunning performance, claiming 5 wickets for 43 runs, as Australia dominated West Indies to secure a 159-run victory in the first Test at Kensington Oval. The match concluded on the third day, with West Indies dismissed for 141 in 33.4 overs.

Australia's second innings recovery to 310 was crucial, built on solid half-centuries from Alex Carey, Beau Webster, and Travis Head. This resilience helped the team recover from an early setback at 65-4 on day two.

Shamar Joseph shone for West Indies, taking five wickets for 87 runs and ending the match with impressive figures of 9-133.

However, the West Indies' chase faltered early. Mitchell Starc removed Kraigg Brathwaite in the first over, and the innings never gained momentum.

Hazlewood's exceptional accuracy proved decisive. He dismissed John Campbell and debutant Brandon King in successive deliveries. He also took the wickets of captain Roston Chase and Keacy Carty.

Pat Cummins supported Hazlewood's efforts by removing Shai Hope, who was the top-scorer in the first innings. A direct hit from substitute fielder Marnus Labuschagne led to the run-out of Alzarri Joseph.

"It was just about hitting the right areas time and time again and just being patient," Hazlewood explained. "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 initiated an aggressive partnership, adding 102 runs for the fifth wicket before Head was dismissed lbw by Shamar Joseph for 61.

The partnership could have been cut short when Greaves dropped a simple catch at second slip when Head was on 22. This was the seventh dropped catch by West Indies in the match.

Despite regular wickets, the Australian batting remained aggressive after lunch. Carey led the scoring with 65.

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

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

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

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

Justin Greaves remained unbeaten on 38 as West Indies' innings came to an end.

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

Overall, it was a comprehensive victory for Australia. This was achieved through significant contributions from both their batting and bowling departments.