Hazlewood's Five-for Propels Australia to Dominating First Test Win Over West Indies

Australia dominated West Indies in the first Test at Kensington Oval, securing a 159-run victory on Friday. Josh Hazlewood spearheaded the attack, claiming 5-43 as the West Indies were dismissed for a paltry 141 in just 33.4 overs, leaving two days unplayed.

Australia's second innings recovery was powered by valuable half-centuries from Alex Carey, Beau Webster, and Travis Head, who rescued the innings from a shaky 65-4 position late on day two, ultimately posting a total of 310.

Shamar Joseph shone for the West Indies, taking five wickets for 87 runs, concluding with impressive match figures of 9-133. However, his efforts were not enough to prevent the Australian triumph.

The West Indies' chase was immediately hampered when Mitchell Starc dismissed former captain Kraigg Brathwaite in the opening over.

Hazlewood's accuracy proved decisive, as he removed John Campbell and debutant Brandon King in successive deliveries, before also claiming the wickets of captain Roston Chase and Keacy Carty.

Pat Cummins added to the pressure by dismissing first-innings top-scorer Shai Hope, while a direct hit from substitute fielder Marnus Labuschagne led to the run-out of Alzarri Joseph.

"It was just about hitting the right areas time and time again and just being patient," Hazlewood commented. "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 had Greaves held a straightforward catch at second slip when Head was on 22, highlighting the West Indies' struggles in the field, where they dropped a total of seven catches in the match.

Despite the regular fall of wickets, the Australian batting maintained an aggressive approach after lunch, with Carey contributing a team-high 65 runs.

Webster scored 63 before being caught behind off Shamar Joseph, who bowled with sustained determination throughout the innings.

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

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

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

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

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

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