Hazlewood's Five-Wicket Haul 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 the West Indies in the first Test at Kensington Oval. Hazlewood's figures of 5-43 played a crucial role in dismissing the hosts for a mere 141 runs in 33.4 overs on the third day, leaving two days unplayed.

Josh Hazlewood celebrates taking a crucial wicket.

Australia's second innings recovery to 310 was fueled by valuable half-centuries from Alex Carey, Beau Webster, and Travis Head. This batting resilience helped them recover from a shaky 65-4 position late on the second day.

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

However, the West Indies' chase faltered early, with Mitchell Starc removing former captain Kraigg Brathwaite in the opening over.

Hazlewood's accuracy proved devastating as he claimed the wickets of John Campbell and debutant Brandon King in successive deliveries. He continued his dominance by also dismissing captain Roston Chase and Keacy Carty.

Pat Cummins added to the West Indies' woes by removing first-innings top-scorer Shai Hope. A sharp piece of fielding from substitute Marnus Labuschagne resulted in a direct hit run-out of Alzarri Joseph.

"It was just about hitting the right areas time and time again and just being patient," Hazlewood stated. "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 began the day positively, forging a 102-run partnership for the fifth wicket before Head was dismissed lbw by Shamar Joseph for 61.

The partnership could have been broken earlier if Greaves had held onto a straightforward catch at second slip when Head was on 22, highlighting the West Indies' struggles in the field, marking their seventh dropped catch of the match.

The Australian batting remained aggressive after lunch, even with regular wickets falling. Carey emerged as the top-scorer with a valuable 65.

Webster contributed a solid 63 before being caught behind off Shamar Joseph, who bowled with unwavering determination.

Shamar Joseph completed his impressive five-wicket haul by dismissing Starc and Hazlewood, the latter being bowled off an inside edge.

The challenging target of over 200 proved too much for the West Indies to chase down on the tricky, two-paced surface.

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

Justin Greaves remained unbeaten on 38 as the West Indies' innings came to an end.

West Indies' struggles with slip catching were a recurring theme throughout the match, with four catches dropped on the first day alone.

Australia's victory was comprehensive, reflecting significant contributions from both their batting and bowling departments.