Barbados: Australia vs West Indies First Test 2025, Josh Hazlewood spearheaded Australia’s charge to a commanding 159-run win over West Indies on the third day in Barbados. With ten wickets falling in the final session, the hosts were bowled out for 141. Hazlewood returned figures of 5 for 43 as West Indies’ resistance crumbled late in the day.
Nathan Lyon claimed the final two wickets in consecutive balls. His strikes ended the match in what would have been the last over of the day. Australia had taken the extra half-hour to press for the win. Despite resistance from Shamar Joseph and Justin Greaves, Lyon closed it out just in time.
Head, Carey and Webster Build Crucial Lead
Earlier, Australia’s batting trio of Travis Head, Alex Carey, and Beau Webster laid the foundation. Their counter-attacking intent helped Australia post 310 in the second innings. The lead swelled to 300, effectively putting the game out of West Indies’ reach.
Head made his second half-century of the match. He survived a tough pitch and sloppy fielding. “Player of the Match” honors went to him for his twin fifties. Webster crafted his innings with control, particularly off the back foot. Carey accelerated in the latter half, hitting a quickfire 65, including a powerful loft over long-off.
Hazlewood Rattles Windies with Brutal Spell
Mitchell Starc struck early, removing Kraigg Brathwaite. Hazlewood then dismantled the middle order. John Campbell’s attempt to innovate backfired, gloving a sweep to Carey. Brandon King fell next ball, edging into the gully.
Hazlewood missed the hat-trick, but not for long. He removed Roston Chase with a sharp lifter, and then Keacy Carty with a seaming delivery. “This was Hazlewood at his very best,” the commentators said, describing his relentless accuracy.
Pat Cummins also found success, bowling Shai Hope with a ball that skidded low. Alzarri Joseph was run out by a direct hit from Marnus Labuschagne. Hazlewood returned to dismiss Jomel Warrican and complete his five-wicket haul.
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Frustration Delayed But Not Denied
Shamar Joseph hit two massive sixes into the stands, briefly slowing Australia’s celebration. But Lyon ended the resistance, removing Shamar and Jayden Seales back-to-back. The second catch at short leg sealed Australia’s win just before stumps.
Missed Chances Cost Windies
Australia vs West Indies Barbados Test 2025: West Indies were let down by their fielding. They dropped seven catches in the match, including key chances early on day three. Greaves spilled Head on 21, allowing him to build his innings further.
Earlier in the day, Head and Webster had added 102 for the fifth wicket. “With a touch of fortune, runs were there to be made when intent was shown,” one analyst noted.
Webster reached fifty from 100 balls before falling to Shamar Joseph, who also dismissed Hazlewood to complete a five-wicket haul. It was his best bowling return in his short Test career.
Looking Ahead
Australia’s familiar strengths—disciplined pace and counterattacking middle order—delivered again. However, top-order concerns persist. West Indies showed sparks of fight but paid for inconsistency and poor fielding.
With this result, Australia continues to build momentum in their Test campaign, while West Indies are left reflecting on missed opportunities and late collapses.
Australia win the opening Test at Kensington Oval.#WIvAUS | #FullAhEnergy pic.twitter.com/I1GR2t9Dlr
— Windies Cricket (@windiescricket) June 27, 2025