Australia’s Bowlers Seal 159-Run Triumph
Australia’s formidable pace battery overwhelmed the West Indies’ brittle batting line-up, skittling them out for just 141 in 33.4 overs to secure a commanding 159-run victory late on the third day of the opening Test at Kensington Oval. Josh Hazlewood led the charge with a superb 5-wicket haul for 43 runs, capping a dominant all-round display.
The Aussies’ recovery had been built around half-centuries from Alex Carey (65), Beau Webster (63), and Travis Head (61), rescuing them from a precarious 65 for 4 to post 310 in their second innings by tea on day three.
“It was just about hitting the right areas time and time again and just being patient,” Hazlewood explained about his approach on a tricky pitch. “There are a few cracks there…which kept the batters guessing about going forward or back.”
Shamar Joseph Shines Despite West Indies’ Collapse
For the hosts, Shamar Joseph was a rare bright spot, collecting 5 wickets for 87 runs and finishing the match with a nine-wicket haul overall. However, chasing anything over 200 was always going to be daunting on the inconsistent surface.
The West Indies’ chase began poorly as Mitchell Starc dismissed Kraigg Brathwaite in the opening over. Hazlewood then took over, removing John Campbell and debutant Brandon King in consecutive deliveries before sending captain Roston Chase and Keacy Carty back to the pavilion.
Cummins, Lyon, and Labuschagne Finish the Job
Australia’s captain Pat Cummins added to the pressure by bowling Shai Hope, who was the hosts’ top scorer in the first innings. Marnus Labuschagne further dented West Indies’ hopes with a sharp direct-hit run out of Alzarri Joseph.
Hazlewood returned to snare Jomel Warrican, while Nathan Lyon wrapped things up by dismissing Shamar Joseph (who had thrilled the crowd with a quickfire 44 off 22 balls) and then Jayden Seales first ball. Justin Greaves was left stranded on 38 as the match ended with two days to spare.
Slip Fielding Woes Haunt West Indies
“It was the seventh chance put down by the West Indies slip cordon,”
noted one observer, referring to a dropped catch by Greaves that reprieved Head on 22. In total, the home side spilled seven catches, including four on day one alone—errors that proved costly.
Australia’s Aggressive Approach Pays Off
Starting the final day, Head and Webster pushed on from their overnight consolidation, adding 102 runs in a positive stand for the fifth wicket. Though Head was lbw to Shamar Joseph before lunch, Australia maintained the aggression after the break, scoring briskly despite regular wickets falling.
Carey top-scored with 65, taking the innings past 300, while Starc and Hazlewood fell to Shamar Joseph, who claimed his fourth five-wicket haul—three of which have come against Australia.
But by the time the last wicket fell, the West Indies were facing an impossible task, and the final result was sealed just before stumps.
