Australia secured a dominant 159-run win over the West Indies in the first Test at Kensington Oval, wrapping up the match with two full days to spare. The hosts were skittled for just 141 in their second innings, unable to cope with a relentless Australian pace attack led by Josh Hazlewood.
Hazlewood was the standout performer, taking 5 for 43 in a clinical spell that dismantled the West Indies’ chase of a daunting 301-run target on a worn, unpredictable pitch. Mitchell Starc struck early to remove Kraigg Brathwaite, before Hazlewood ripped through the top and middle order, claiming wickets in quick succession.
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Australia had earlier set up the victory with crucial contributions from Travis Head (61), Beau Webster (63), and Alex Carey (65), posting 310 in their second innings. Despite another fiery performance by Shamar Joseph — who took 5 for 87 and nine wickets in the match — the West Indies were undone by poor fielding, dropping seven catches in total.
Only Justin Greaves (38*) and Shai Hope (30) showed some resistance with the bat, while Joseph added a spirited 44 off 22 balls late in the innings. But it was not enough to challenge Australia’s dominance. Nathan Lyon closed out the innings with two quick wickets, while a sharp run-out by substitute Marnus Labuschagne summed up a forgettable outing for the hosts.
Captain Pat Cummins lauded the comprehensive team effort, calling it “a complete performance” as Australia takes a 1-0 lead in the series.
