Australia sealed a dominant 159-run victory against West Indies in the first Test in Barbados. Significantly, they finished the match in just three days. Josh Hazlewood took five wickets and dismantled the West Indies’ batting line-up during the final session.
West Indies Start Well but Collapse
Initially, the hosts showed promise. After losing Kraigg Brathwaite early, they reached 47 for 1. John Campbell and Keacy Carty looked solid at the crease. However, Hazlewood changed the game completely. He took four wickets in a short spell, reducing West Indies to 56 for 5.
Hazlewood Takes Control
Subsequently, Hazlewood continued his brilliant performance. He dismissed Campbell with a failed lap scoop. Then he removed Brandon King, Roston Chase, and Carty in quick succession. “We just kept hitting the right lengths time and again,” Hazlewood said. “There’s a few cracks on a length from one end… some went low and got a few bowleds and lbws.”
Eventually, he returned to get Jomel Warrican and completed his five-wicket haul with figures of 5 for 43.
Late Resistance Fails
Although West Indies showed some resistance, it didn’t last. Justin Greaves remained unbeaten on 38. Meanwhile, Shamar Joseph added excitement with a rapid 44, including four sixes. Still, their efforts were not enough.
Towards the end, Nathan Lyon cleaned up the tail. He picked two wickets in the final over after play was extended by 30 minutes.
Australia Build Strong Lead
Earlier in the day, Australia resumed on 92 for 4. Travis Head scored a gritty 61. Beau Webster contributed 63. Later, Alex Carey played a smart knock of 65. Despite Shamar Joseph’s five-wicket haul, Australia posted 310 in their second innings.
As a result, West Indies needed 301 to win. However, their hopes were quickly dashed by Hazlewood’s spell.
Sammy Raises Umpiring Concerns
Meanwhile, West Indies coach Daren Sammy expressed dissatisfaction with the umpiring. He met match referee Javagal Srinath to discuss decisions made by TV umpire Adrian Holdstock. “You’ll have to wait and see,” he said when asked about a formal complaint. Still, Sammy admitted that his side’s poor shots and Australia’s tight bowling cost them the game.
Joseph Entertains, But Lyon Ends It
At one point, West Indies looked like they might survive the day. Joseph’s big hitting offered brief hope. Nevertheless, Lyon sealed the win. His two wickets in the final over ended the match.
In conclusion, Australia’s experience and disciplined bowling proved too much for the West Indies. With this win, they begin their new World Test Championship cycle on a high.
Brief Scorecard
West Indies have lost the first Test against Australia at home. The team is currently going through the worst phase of its cricketing journey. They recently lost both the ODI and T20I series in England, and now they have been defeated in the first Test.
Shamar Joseph showed great fighting spirit, and the way he batted in the final innings was impressive. Jayden Seales has also performed consistently, but he isn’t getting enough support from the other bowlers.
The Australians bounced back strongly, showing their full strength after the WTC final loss against South Africa. Travis Head and Alex Carey played valuable knocks that gave Australia the upper hand. Josh Hazlewood bowled a superb spell to wrap up the match. Stay tuned with JUSZNEWS for regular updates!