Josh Hazlewood delivered a sensational five-wicket performance to lead Australia to a commanding 159-run win over the West Indies in just three days during the first Test in Barbados.
Australia set the hosts a challenging target of 301 after contributions from Travis Head (61), Beau Webster (63), and Alex Carey (65) lifted their second innings to 310. Hazlewood then produced a devastating spell, taking 4 wickets for just 5 runs in 16 deliveries, as the West Indies collapsed to 141 all out.
Despite late resistance from Shamar Joseph (40 off 19) and Justin Greaves (38), Nathan Lyon claimed two wickets in as many balls to wrap up the match before the close of play.
Earlier, Shamar Joseph had shone with the ball for the West Indies, finishing with 5-87—his third five-wicket haul against Australia in as many Tests. However, missed chances, including a dropped catch off Travis Head, proved costly. Head capitalized to register his second half-century of the match, sharing a century stand with Webster.
Alex Carey’s explosive 40 off 15 balls powered Australia to a strong total before he fell to a trap set by Roston Chase. Late contributions from Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood pushed the lead past 300.
West Indies’ chase began poorly with Kraigg Brathwaite falling in the first over. After a brief fightback, Hazlewood’s relentless accuracy and the pitch’s unpredictable bounce tore through the middle order, leaving the hosts reeling at 5-56.
Australia’s bowlers, aided by fielding brilliance—most notably a 40-metre direct hit from substitute Marnus Labuschagne—continued the onslaught. Hazlewood sealed his five-for when Jomel Warrican edged behind, before Lyon dismissed the final two batters to clinch victory.
Australia now heads to Grenada with a 1-0 lead in the series ahead of the second Test starting July 4.
