Hazlewood, Lyon fire Australia past Windies

Bridgetown

Australia clinched a dominant 159-run victory over West Indies in the opening Test at Kensington Oval, taking a 1-0 lead in the series. Josh Hazlewood starred with a five-wicket haul (5/43), while Nathan Lyon cleaned up the tail on a pitch that turned increasingly treacherous for batting.

Chasing 301, West Indies folded for 141 on Day 3. Lyon wrapped up the innings with two wickets in two balls, dismissing Shamar Joseph for a brisk 44 off 22 balls. Hazlewood’s disciplined spell broke the back of the Windies’ chase, as he dismantled the middle and lower order.

“There was enough in the wicket — a few cracks and some balls staying low,” Hazlewood said post-match. His victims included Campbell, King, Chase, Carty, and Warrican, showcasing a mix of seam, bounce, and accuracy. Captain Pat Cummins added the crucial wicket of Shai Hope, while a sharp run-out from substitute Marnus Labuschagne underlined Australia’s all-round sharpness.

Earlier, Australia had built a formidable position through consistent batting. Travis Head (61), Beau Webster (63), and Alex Carey (65) all contributed, with Carey’s six onto the stadium roof drawing special applause. Despite Joseph’s valiant five-wicket effort for West Indies, Australia’s batting depth and disciplined bowling proved decisive.

This win further cements Australia’s reputation as the benchmark in red-ball cricket. The Test showcased the unpredictability of the format, with the game swinging from resistance to collapse in hours — a hallmark of the longest format’s enduring drama.