Hazlewood's Five-For Seals Australia's Dominant First Test Win Over West Indies

Josh Hazlewood's exceptional bowling performance propelled Australia to a commanding 159-run victory over West Indies in the first Test at Kensington Oval. Hazlewood's figures of 5-43 were instrumental in dismissing the hosts for a mere 141 in 33.4 overs on the third day, leaving two days unplayed.

Josh Hazlewood celebrates a crucial wicket against West Indies.

Australia's second innings recovery to 310 was anchored by impressive half-centuries from Alex Carey, Beau Webster, and Travis Head. Their contributions helped salvage the innings from a shaky 65-4 position late on day two.

Shamar Joseph stood out for West Indies, claiming five wickets for 87 runs, culminating in impressive match figures of 9-133.

However, the West Indies' chase faltered early as Mitchell Starc removed Kraigg Brathwaite in the first over, setting a negative tone for the innings.

Hazlewood's relentless accuracy proved too much for the West Indies batsmen. He dismissed John Campbell and debutant Brandon King in successive deliveries, followed by the key wickets of captain Roston Chase and Keacy Carty.

Pat Cummins further contributed by removing first-innings top-scorer Shai Hope, while Marnus Labuschagne's sharp fielding resulted in a 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 the day with aggressive intent, forging a 102-run partnership for the fifth wicket before Head was dismissed lbw by Shamar Joseph for 61.

The partnership could have been curtailed earlier, but Greaves dropped a straightforward catch at second slip when Head was on 22, marking the seventh dropped catch by West Indies in the match.

Despite regular wickets, the Australian batting maintained its aggressive 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, with Hazlewood being bowled off an inside edge.

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

Nathan Lyon sealed the victory by dismissing Shamar Joseph, who provided late entertainment with 44 off 22 balls, and Jayden Seales in consecutive deliveries.

Justin Greaves remained unbeaten on 38 as West Indies' innings concluded.

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

The victory was comprehensive for Australia, highlighting significant contributions from both their batting and bowling departments.