In the first Test at Kensington Oval, Australia’s pace battery proved too formidable for the West Indies, as the hosts collapsed to a pitiful 141 all out in their second innings, giving the visitors a decisive 159-run victory with two full days remaining.
The West Indies’ aspirations of chasing a difficult total of 301 on a deteriorating, two-paced surface were dashed by the outstanding performance of fast bowler Josh Hazlewood, who claimed 5-43 in a devastating burst of fast bowling.
When opener Kraigg Brathwaite was dismissed by Mitchell Starc in the opening over, the West Indies chase got off to the worst possible start. Then Hazlewood took over, dismissing rookie Brandon King and John Campbell off consecutive deliveries before dismissing Keacy Carty and captain Roston Chase.
Hazlewood told reporters following the game, “There are a few cracks there on a good length and just short of a length which kept the batters guessing.” “It was just about being patient and repeatedly striking the right spots.”
Earlier in the day, Australia made strong batting contributions to support their domination with the ball. With half-centuries from Travis Head (61), Beau Webster (63), and wicketkeeper Alex Carey (65), the visitors extended their overnight lead and resumed at 136-4.
Just before midday, an inspired Shamar Joseph trapped Head leg before wicket after he and Webster had combined 102 runs for the fifth wicket.
In their second innings, Carey led Australia to a dominant 310 by guiding the lower order with a quick 65.
Joseph finished with 5-87 and an outstanding match haul of 9-133, making him the home team’s best bowler once more. But a lackluster West Indies slip cordon, which missed up to seven catches during the game, including a vital chance off Head when he was on 22, undermined his efforts.
After lunch, Australia pushed the accelerator with aggressive strokeplay, scoring at almost a run per minute despite losing wickets frequently. The poor fielding made the hosts’ troubles on a surface with uneven bounce and varied pace much worse.
The West Indies were set a high bar and never appeared to be in the running.
The only players to put up a fight were Shai Hope (30) and Justin Greaves (38 not out). Shamar Joseph’s late burst of activity, which saw him smash 44 off only 22 deliveries, was amusing for a little while but ultimately in vain.
Joseph and Jayden Seales were dismissed quickly by spinner Nathan Lyon to end the innings. The hosts’ problems were exacerbated by a direct-hit run out from substitute fielder Marnus Labuschagne.
Pat Cummins, who contributed by taking Hope’s crucial wicket, commended his team’s overall performance, saying, “We adjusted well to the conditions and stuck to our plans.” It was a full-length show.
