WI vs AUS Highlights Day 3: Hazlewood Leads Australia to Crushing Win in Series Opener
Day 3 of the West Indies vs Australia 1st Test at Bridgetown, Barbados, ended with a dominant statement from the visitors. Australia wrapped up a comprehensive 159-run win over the West Indies, sealing the match inside three days and taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match Test series. This win also marked their first points in the ongoing World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 cycle, kickstarting their campaign on a high note.
Hazlewood’s Fiery Five-For Dismantles West Indies
The star of the show was fast bowler Josh Hazlewood, whose relentless spell of accurate fast bowling tore through the West Indian batting in the final innings. Chasing a stiff target of 311 runs, the hosts were never in the hunt and crumbled for a mere 141 in just 33.4 overs. Hazlewood struck early and often, finishing with 5 wickets for 43 runs, completely dismantling the top and middle order. WI vs AUS Highlights Day 3
His spell included a game-changing double strike, dismissing John Campbell and debutant Brandon King in back-to-back deliveries. He followed it up with the crucial scalps of Roston Chase and Keacy Carty, ensuring West Indies were reduced to 86/8 before any signs of resistance could emerge. WI vs AUS Highlights Day 3
Australia’s Batting Backbone: Head, Webster, and Carey
Australia’s imposing second-innings score of 310 was the cornerstone of their win. After struggling at 65/4 late on Day 2, the team rallied through vital contributions from the middle order. Travis Head (61) and Beau Webster (63) stitched together a gritty 102-run stand for the fifth wicket, steadying the innings and shifting momentum in Australia’s favour. WI vs AUS Highlights Day 3
Wicketkeeper Alex Carey then added the finishing touches with a fluent and aggressive 65, accelerating the scoring rate and stretching Australia’s lead beyond the reach of the hosts. These three knocks turned a potentially vulnerable position into a commanding one, setting the West Indies a near-impossible target on a tricky surface. WI vs AUS Highlights Day 3
Shamar Joseph’s Lone Fight
If there was one bright spot for West Indies, it was Shamar Joseph. The fiery fast bowler gave his all, claiming 5 wickets for 87 runs in the second innings and finishing with a match tally of 9 for 133. He also showcased his explosive lower-order batting with a quickfire 44 off 22 balls, briefly delaying the inevitable.
Joseph’s fearless approach and raw talent brought some spark to an otherwise disappointing performance from the home side. However, the lack of support from other bowlers and the dismal batting collapse overshadowed his brilliance. WI vs AUS Highlights Day 3
Lyon Cleans Up, Australia Celebrate Early Finish
Veteran spinner Nathan Lyon applied the finishing touches with a clinical spell to remove the tail. He took the last two wickets — Shamar Joseph and Jayden Seales — in a single over to seal the win for Australia. The victory was not only dominant but also came with two full days to spare, underlining the visitors’ complete control of the match. WI vs AUS Highlights Day 3
Fielding Woes and What Lies Ahead for West Indies
West Indies’ downfall wasn’t just limited to their batting. Their poor slip catching on Day 1 — dropping four regulation chances — allowed Australia to rebuild after early pressure. These missed opportunities proved costly, allowing key partnerships to flourish and shifting the game away from their grasp.
Heading into the second Test, the West Indies will need to address serious concerns:
- Batting collapses against quality pace.
- Fielding errors, especially in catching positions.
- Over-reliance on a few individuals like Shamar Joseph.
WTC 2025-27 Points and Series Implications
Australia’s win not only gives them a 1-0 series lead but also earns them valuable points in the World Test Championship standings. Their well-rounded performance — from batting recoveries to lethal bowling spells — sends a strong message to other contenders in the WTC cycle. WI vs AUS Highlights Day 3
For the West Indies, the road ahead is steep. They must regroup quickly, improve their shot selection, and sharpen their fielding if they hope to level the series in the next match.
Match Summary:
- Australia: 242 & 310
- West Indies: 260 & 141
- Result: Australia won by 159 runs
- Player of the Match: Josh Hazlewood (5/43 in 2nd innings)
Australia walk away from Bridgetown with a crushing win, led by Hazlewood’s brilliance and a solid team effort. The West Indies now have serious thinking to do ahead of the second Test — or risk letting the series slip away completely. WI vs AUS Highlights Day 3
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