Hazlewood, Head star as Australia crush West Indies inside three days

Josh Hazlewood picked up five wickets and Travis Head scored twin fifties as Australia defeated West Indies by 159 runs inside three days in the first Test at Bridgetown on Saturday.

Chasing 301 for victory, the West Indies were dismissed for just 141 in the final session of day three. Nathan Lyon struck twice in two balls in what could have been the last over of the day. Australia took the extra half-hour and wrapped up the match without needing a fourth day.

Shamar Joseph and Justin Greaves showed some fight during a short partnership. Joseph hit a few big shots and was even dropped once, but he eventually edged one to the slips. The innings ended when Jayden Seales was caught at short leg.

Earlier in the day, the match was still balanced with Australia leading by just 82 runs and six wickets in hand. However, middle-order contributions from Travis Head, Beau Webster, and Alex Carey changed the course of the game.

Head was dropped on 21—West Indies’ seventh missed chance of the match—and made the most of it by scoring a half-century in each innings. His consistent performance earned him the Player of the Match award.

Alex Carey played a quick and aggressive innings, reaching his fifty in only 40 balls. His attacking shots, including a six over long-off and a straight drive into the sightscreen, helped set a challenging target for West Indies.

Mitchell Starc struck early in the second innings by dismissing Kraigg Brathwaite in the very first over. Hazlewood then took charge, removing John Campbell, Brandon King, Roston Chase, and Keacy Carty in a fiery spell. Pat Cummins also chipped in, bowling Shai Hope with a ball that stayed low.

Marnus Labuschagne, on as a substitute, made an impact in the field with a direct hit to run out Alzarri Joseph. Hazlewood completed his five-wicket haul by dismissing Jomel Warrican.

Despite Shamar Joseph hitting four massive sixes late in the innings, it wasn’t enough to stop Australia from securing a dominant win.

West Indies will be disappointed with their fielding, having dropped seven catches during the match. One of the most crucial errors was missing Head early in his innings.

Australia now lead the two-match Test series 1-0, heading into the second game with confidence.