Hazlewood Five-Wicket Haul Secures Australia Test Win over West Indies in Barbados

Australia secured a commanding 159-run victory over the West Indies in the first Test match held in Barbados, largely due to a dominant bowling performance by Josh Hazlewood, who took five wickets in a critical late spell. Mitchell Starc set the tone early by dismissing Kraigg Brathwaite in the first over, and Hazlewood's rapid four wickets for four runs in three overs swung momentum decisively in Australia's favor. Pat Cummins contributed by cleaning up Shai Hope with a deceptive delivery, while Marnus Labuschagne effected a direct hit run out to further cripple the West Indies lineup. Despite some late resistance from Shamar Joseph, who hit several boundaries including sixes off Starc and Hazlewood, the West Indies could not prevent a comprehensive defeat. Australia's middle order, featuring solid contributions from Travis Head, Beau Webster, and Alex Carey, helped set a challenging target of 301 runs, which West Indies failed to chase. The victory was sealed with Nathan Lyon taking two wickets in the final over of the extended day three session, underlining Australia's ruthless efficiency in closing out the match with two days to spare.