Hazlewood's Five-Wicket Haul Powers Australia to Decisive First Test Victory 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, Bridgetown. Hazlewood's figures of 5-43 were instrumental in dismissing the hosts for a mere 141 in 33.4 overs on the third day, securing a win with two days to spare.

Josh Hazlewood celebrates a crucial wicket during the first Test.

Australia's second innings total of 310 was anchored by valuable half-centuries from Alex Carey, Beau Webster, and Travis Head. Their contributions were vital in rescuing the innings from a shaky 65-4 position late on day two.

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

The West Indies' chase faltered early as Mitchell Starc removed Kraigg Brathwaite in the first over.

Hazlewood's accurate bowling proved too difficult for the West Indies batsmen, dismissing John Campbell and debutant Brandon King in successive deliveries. He also claimed the wickets of captain Roston Chase and Keacy Carty, further crippling the West Indies' batting lineup.

Pat Cummins added to the pressure by removing Shai Hope, the top-scorer from the first innings. A sharp direct hit from substitute fielder Marnus Labuschagne resulted in the run-out of Alzarri Joseph.

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

The partnership could have been broken earlier, but Greaves dropped a straightforward catch at second slip when Head was on 22. This was the seventh dropped catch by the West Indies in the match.

Despite regular wickets falling, the Australian batting maintained its aggressive approach after lunch. Carey emerged as the top-scorer with 65.

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

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

The target of over 200 proved too challenging for the West Indies on the two-paced surface.

Nathan Lyon sealed the victory by dismissing Shamar Joseph, who played an entertaining innings of 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.

The West Indies' poor slip catching was a recurring theme throughout the match, with four catches dropped on day one alone.

The victory was a comprehensive one for Australia, with significant contributions from both their batting and bowling units.