Bridgetown, Barbados - Australia claimed a dominant 159-run win over the West Indies in the first Test at Kensington Oval, wrapping up the match inside three days to take a 1–0 lead in the Frank Worrell Trophy series.

Defending a target of 301, the Australian bowling unit came out firing on Day 3, with Josh Hazlewood leading the charge in a fiery post-lunch spell. The paceman took 5 wickets for 43 runs, including a blistering three-over burst that broke the back of the West Indian chase. His sharp pace and control rattled the middle order, leaving the hosts reeling.

Nathan Lyon then cleaned up the tail in clinical fashion, including a double-wicket over to seal the result. West Indies were bundled out for just 141 in their second innings.

Earlier, Australia’s batting recovered from early stumbles in both innings. After being bowled out for 180 in the first, they posted a resilient 310 in the second innings, thanks to middle-order contributions. Wicketkeeper Alex Carey played a key role with a counter-attacking half-century, supported by Beau Webster, who provided composure during a vital partnership.

West Indies, who briefly held a 10-run lead after the first innings, were unable to build on that advantage. Despite a five-wicket haul from rising pacer Shamar Joseph, the hosts struggled for consistency with the bat and failed to chase a manageable fourth-innings target on a surface offering variable bounce.

This win continues Australia’s strong away form and puts them in pole position in the two-match Test series. The teams now head to Trinidad for the second and final Test, where West Indies will look to regroup and salvage a drawn series.

Match Summary:

  • Australia: 180 & 310
  • West Indies: 190 & 141
  • Result: Australia won by 159 runs
  • Player of the Match: Travis Head (59 and 61)