Hazlewood five-wicket haul propels Australia to victory

The tourists' strong start on day three set the West Indies a target of 301, but Australia's bowlers, led by Josh Hazlewood, proved too strong as they got the job done within 34 overs.

Australia picked up at 92-4 in their second innings on Friday, holding an 82-run lead, but Travis Head and Beau Webster ensured they did not endure another wobble.

They both plundered half-centuries, with Head scoring 61 before being trapped lbw by Shamar Joseph (5-87), who then dismissed Webster for 63 just 10 overs later.

While Pat Cummins (nine) and Mitchell Starc (16) fell in quick succession, Alex Carey anchored Australia once more, with his 65 helping them to 310.

West Indies made a poor start to their innings, though, with Kraigg Brathwaite (four) dismissed by Starc at the end of the first over.

Hazlewood (5-43) then stepped to the fore, taking John Campbell (23) and Brandon King (0) in the first two balls of the 11th, with Roston Chase (two) and Keacy Carty (20) following not far behind.

Justin Greaves' unbeaten 38 gave the West Indies some hope, as he and Shamar Joseph (44) put together a 55-run partnership for the ninth wicket.

That hope soon disappeared as the latter was taken by Nathan Lyon (2-20), who followed it up by taking the newly introduced Jayden Seales for a duck on the next ball to see West Indies finish on 141.

Australia win the opening Test at Kensington Oval.#WIvAUS | #FullAhEnergy pic.twitter.com/I1GR2t9Dlr

— Windies Cricket (@windiescricket) June 27, 2025

West Indies were so close to forcing the Test into a fourth day, but the damage done by Hazelwood earlier on Friday ultimately proved too much.

He earned the 13th five-for in Test cricket, and his third against the West Indies after ruthlessly ripping through their top order.

Australia have now won their last four matches at the Kensington Oval, and now have a 1-0 lead in the three-match series, putting them in a good position to extend their unbeaten run against their hosts.