How Did Hazlewood's Fifer Lead Australia to a Crushing Win Against the Windies?
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Synopsis
In a dramatic turn of events, Australia triumphed over West Indies in the first Test match, led by Josh Hazlewood's outstanding bowling performance. As the West Indies crumbled in the final session, Australia secured a significant victory with two days to spare. Read on to discover the thrilling highlights and key players that shaped this match.
Key Takeaways
- Josh Hazlewood led the bowling attack with a remarkable 5-wicket haul.
- Australia won decisively by 159 runs.
- Nathan Lyon played a crucial role in wrapping up the innings.
- Travis Head earned the Player of the Match with his vital 61.
- West Indies collapsed, losing all wickets in the final session.
Bridgetown, June 28 (NationPress) Josh Hazlewood spearheaded Australia’s bowling attack with impressive figures of 5 for 43, leading to a stunning collapse by the West Indies, who lost all 10 wickets in the last session of Day 3. This collapse resulted in a 159-run victory for Australia in the inaugural Test match. Nathan Lyon finished the game by taking the final two wickets in consecutive deliveries, concluding the match with two days remaining and granting Australia a 1-0 lead in the two-match series.
In pursuit of a target set at 301, the West Indies initially displayed some resilience despite the early loss of Kraigg Brathwaite, who was caught at backward square leg off the bowling of Mitchell Starc. John Campbell and Keacy Carty provided brief stability with aggressive batting, lifting the score to 47 for 1. Carty was subsequently given a lifeline when Cameron Green dropped him, but the West Indies soon fell apart.
After Campbell gloved a scoop chance off Hazlewood to Alex Carey, Carty fell to the very next delivery, edging onto his pad for a sharp catch at gully. Hazlewood continued to wreak havoc, dismissing captain Roston Chase similarly before bowling Carty with a full delivery, leaving the visitors at 56 for 5.
Shai Hope was caught out by a low delivery from Pat Cummins that slid beneath his bat. Justin Greaves and Shamar Joseph tried to mount a late resistance, with Joseph hitting two towering sixes during his quickfire 22-ball 44, even after surviving a dropped catch by Sam Konstas.
As Australia approached the end of their bowling, they opted to extend play by an additional 30 minutes in pursuit of a result. Substitute fielder Marnus Labuschagne made a vital direct hit to run out Alzarri Joseph, and Hazlewood completed his five-wicket haul by getting Jomel Warrican to edge to slip. Lyon then wrapped up the innings, having Joseph caught at slip and Jayden Seales taken at short leg, dismissing the West Indies for just 141.
Earlier, Australia had declared a solid second-innings total of 310 after resuming from 92 for 4. Travis Head, who was dropped on 21, went on to score a vital 61 - marking his second half-century of the match and earning him the Player of the Match accolade. His partnership with Beau Webster, which yielded 102 runs, was instrumental in setting a challenging score on a tricky pitch.
The partnership concluded when Head was bowled by a low delivery from Joseph. Webster followed suit after lunch, edging Joseph down the leg side after making 63. Alex Carey further shattered the West Indies’ hopes with a brisk 65 off 75 balls.
Joseph, who narrowly missed a five-wicket haul in the first innings due to a dropped catch, finally achieved this milestone with brilliant figures of 5 for 87, but his efforts were not enough to avert defeat.
Brief scores: Australia 180 (Travis Head 59; Jayden Seales 5-60) & 310 (Alex Carey 65; Shamar Joseph 5-87) defeated West Indies 190 (Shai Hope 48; Mitchell Starc 3-65) & 141 (Shamar Joseph 44; Josh Hazlewood 5-43) by 159 runs.
Point of View
It is clear that Australia showcased their cricketing prowess in this match. With Hazlewood's exceptional performance and strategic batting partnerships, they demonstrated both skill and determination. The West Indies, despite moments of resistance, ultimately fell short. This match serves as a reminder of Australia’s dominance in Test cricket and the need for the West Indies to regroup and strategize ahead of the next encounter.
NationPress
28/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What were Josh Hazlewood's bowling figures in the match?
Josh Hazlewood finished with outstanding bowling figures of 5 for 43.
How many runs did Australia win by in the first Test?
Australia won the first Test by 159 runs.
Who was awarded the Player of the Match?
Travis Head was awarded the Player of the Match for his crucial innings.
What was the West Indies' total in the second innings?
West Indies scored 141 runs in their second innings.
How did Australia secure their victory?
Australia secured their victory by dismissing West Indies in the final session of Day 3.
