Sat Jun 28 01:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Hazlewood’s Fury Seals Dominant Victory for Australia in First Test
**Bridgetown, Barbados** – Australia have taken a 1-0 lead in the Frank Worrell Trophy series after a dominant performance saw them defeat the West Indies by 159 runs on day three of the first Test in Barbados. Josh Hazlewood spearheaded the victory with a devastating spell of bowling, claiming 5-43 as the West Indies batting lineup crumbled under pressure in the final session.
Set a target of 301, the West Indies were dismissed for a paltry 141. Earlier in the day, half-centuries from Travis Head (61), Beau Webster (63), and Alex Carey (65) had propelled Australia to a commanding position.
Mitchell Starc set the tone early, taking a wicket in the first over of the innings. Hazlewood then ran through the West Indies batting order, claiming five wickets in a relentless display of pace and accuracy, including a golden duck to Brandon King. Nathan Lyon wrapped up the innings, taking the final two wickets in consecutive balls.
While Shamar Joseph offered some resistance with a spirited 44, it was ultimately not enough to stave off the Australian onslaught. Joseph had a great match with the ball, taking nine wickets for the match, but the Australian batting line-up proved too much for the hosts.
“We were put under pressure for a couple of days, and to come back the way we did, we had an exceptional day today,” said Travis Head after the match. “We started with the bat, and we were able to get past 300, which I thought was an exceptional effort.”
The win extends Australia’s unbeaten run in the Caribbean to nine matches, dating back to 2003, and earns them 12 valuable points in the new World Test Championship campaign.
The series now moves to Grenada for the second Test, beginning on July 3rd. Australia will be hoping Steve Smith can return to the squad as he nurses a dislocated finger.
First Piper 