Staff Reporter.
Australia has taken a 1-0 lead in the Frank Worrell Trophy series opener after Josh Hazlewood ripped through the West Indies top order in a ruthless spell late on day three in Bridgetown.
Chasing a 301-run target for victory, the West Indies were bowled out for 141 after losing all ten wickets during a chaotic evening session, with Australia securing a commanding 159-run victory at Kensington Oval.
From 56-5 it was always going to be an uphill struggle for West Indies, even though Justin Greaves (38 not out) and Shamar Joseph (44) provided some late entertainment.
Hazlewood removed Jomel Warrican to finish with 5-43 before Nathan Lyon bagged two wickets in the final over of the day, after play had been extended by 30 minutes, to seal the win.
Earlier, Australia had made a battling 310 in their second innings after Alex Carey had top scored with a punchy 65.
The tourists had resumed the day on a precarious 92-4 but Travis Head and Beau Webster made gritty scores of 61 and 63 before Carey batted smartly with the lower order as Joseph took 5-87.
The Test was Australia’s first since the World Test Championship final defeat by South Africa and represents the start of their cycle that runs until 2027.
“I think once we saw West Indies take the second new ball today, we thought things could happen, but not that fast,” Hazlewood said.
“There’s a few cracks on a length from one end, some went low and got a few bowleds and lbws. We just kept hitting the right lengths time and again.”