Australia roared back from a shaky start to complete a crushing 159-run victory over West Indies in the first Test at Kensington Oval, Barbados, in a gripping finale that extended into the final over of the third day. Josh Hazlewood’s relentless spell, yielding figures of 5-43, and Nathan Lyon’s late strikes wrapped up the win, giving the visitors a 1-0 lead in the Frank Worrell Trophy series.
Set a challenging 301 to win on a deteriorating pitch offering plenty to the seamers, West Indies crumbled for 141 in just 33.4 overs. Their only resistance came from Shamar Joseph’s swashbuckling 44 off 22 balls and Justin Greaves’ unbeaten 38.
(It) was a great Test. Thought it’d be a tight day today. We played as well as we could. We wanted to get 200, but felt a lot more comfortable thanks to the way we batted. Lucky to have Josh, who presents a good seam and hits good areas. Bowled beautifully.
Earlier, Australia had been in deep trouble themselves at 92 for 4 by stumps on Day 2 but rallied brilliantly thanks to gritty half-centuries from Travis Head (61), Beau Webster (63) and Alex Carey (65). Their contributions lifted Australia to a decisive total of 310, leaving the hosts chasing history.
When Mitchell Starc removed Kraigg Brathwaite in the first over, the tone was set. Hazlewood then tore through the middle order in a burst that saw John Campbell glove a scoop to Carey and Brandon King fall for a duck the very next ball. Hazlewood also removed captain Roston Chase for 2 before bowling Keacy Carty with a full delivery.
Pat Cummins then produced a beauty that kept low to castle Shai Hope. Despite Joseph’s thrilling counterattack, which included two towering sixes, West Indies never threatened to last the day.
In a tense final session, Australia took the extra half-hour to force a result. Substitute Marnus Labuschagne’s direct hit ran out Alzarri Joseph before Hazlewood completed his five-for when Warrican edged to Carey. Lyon then removed Joseph and Seales in consecutive deliveries, sparking jubilant celebrations as the shadows lengthened across the ground.
This game is a frustrating one for me and for the team because we bowled out Australia for a relatively low score. We were very happy with that. But then there were so many questionable calls in the game, and none of them went our way. You’re talking about guys’ careers. One bad decision could make or break a guy’s career.
It’s frustrating because as players, when we mess up, when we get out of line, we’re penalised harshly. But the officials—nothing ever happens to them. They just have a wrong decision, and life goes on. I think there should be some penalty when you have blatant decisions going against you.
Head’s consistent batting, including a crucial 102-run stand with Webster, earned him the Player of the Match award. Despite Shamar Joseph’s valiant five-wicket haul in Australia’s second innings, the hosts could not match Australia’s composure and depth.
Brief Scores: Australia 180 & 310 all out in 81.5 overs (Alex Carey 65, Beau Webster 63, Travis Head 61; Shamar Joseph 5-87) beat West Indies 190 & 141 all out in 33.4 overs (Shamar Joseph 44, Justin Greaves 38 not out; Josh Hazlewood 5-43, Nathan Lyon 2-20) by 159 runs.
