Australia has won the first Test against the West Indies thanks to a masterclass from paceman Josh Hazlewood.
The hosts were set 301 to win, but were never in the hunt at Kensington Oval in Barbados, as they were rolled for 141.
Hazlewood snared 4-4 in a three-over blitz to assume control of the contest, with Australia eventually winning by 159 runs.
After Travis Head and Beau Webster’s 102-run fifth-wicket stand eased the nerves of cricket fans watching back home, it was then the turn of decorated pace trio Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins to showcase their skills.
They didn’t disappoint, with Hazlewood finishing with figures of 5/43 as Andrew McDonald’s men took a 1-0 lead in the series.
‘It’s like a broken record these days watching the Australian bowling attack,’ former Australian cricketer Greg Blewett said in commentary.
Australia has won the first Test against the West Indies thanks to a masterclass from paceman Josh Hazlewood (pictured)
Hazlewood snared 4-4 in a three-over blitz to assume control of the contest, with Australia eventually winning by 159 runs (pictured second from right, celebrating a wicket)
Pat Cummins (left) would have been happy with his quicks and spinner Nathan Lyon – but the likes of Sam Konstas and Cameron Green need to perform better with the bat
‘They are just so experienced and so clinical. ‘They also share it (wickets) around really well. ‘This time it was Josh Hazlewood. Good figures.’
Blewett wasn’t wrong – and it was also the 13th time in Hazlewood’s Test career he has finished with a five-wicket haul.
‘I didn’t think it was going to happen that fast,’ Hazlewood said post-match in relation to the frantic ending under lights.
Heading into stumps, West Indies all-rounder Justin Greaves (38*) and impressive quick Shamar Joseph (44 from 22 balls) threatened to push the contest into a fourth day, but veteran spinner Nathan Lyon had other ideas.
‘Garry’ struck twice in the final over to seal the result, with the second Test starting on July 3 at St George’s in Grenada.
The result also extends Australia’s unbeaten run in the Caribbean to nine matches dating back to 2003.
Steve Smith will return to the XI after missing the match in Barbados due to injury – and pressure is mounting on young gun Sam Konstas after he failed in both innings.
Cameron Green also needs to be far more commanding batting in his new No. 3 role.
Since coming back into the team he has been underwhelming at the crease, with scores of 4, 0, (South Africa, World Test Championship) followed by 3 and 15 (West Indies, first Test).