By Sufiyan Khan 
Hazlewood Fifer
Hazlewood Fifer Powers Australia to Dominant Victory Over West Indies in First Test
Hazlewood Fifer was the highlight of Australia’s thumping 159-run win over the West Indies in the opening Test match, as the fast bowler dismantled the opposition with a masterful 5-wicket haul on Day 3. This commanding performance not only put Australia 1-0 ahead in the series but also marked a strong start to their World Test Championship 2025-27 campaign.
Hazlewood Fifer Turns the Game in One Session
Australia’s win was set up by a relentless bowling display in the final session of Day 3, where Hazlewood’s fifer led the charge. West Indies, set a target of 301, crumbled under pressure, losing all ten wickets in a single session. Hazlewood’s spell of 5 for 43 crushed the West Indian middle order, showcasing his trademark precision and control.
The breakthrough came early, with Mitchell Starc removing Kraigg Brathwaite in the very first over. Despite a brief resistance from John Campbell and Keacy Carty, Hazlewood’s fifer began to unravel the innings. He dismissed Campbell and Brandon King in back-to-back deliveries, sparking a collapse that left the visitors gasping at 56/5.
Cummins and Lyon Finish the Job After Hazlewood’s Fifer
After Hazlewood’s fifer paved the way, Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon took over. Cummins bowled a stunning delivery that kept low and sent Shai Hope back. Lyon cleaned up the tail in fading light, grabbing the last two wickets to end the innings at 141. Hazlewood’s five-wicket haul stood out as the defining moment of the day.
Australia’s Middle Order Shines After Early Collapse
Before the bowlers took center stage, it was Australia’s middle order that laid the foundation. Travis Head (61), Beau Webster (63), and Alex Carey (65) helped the team post a strong second-innings total of 310. Their resilience on a difficult pitch allowed Australia to set a challenging target.
Travis Head, who earned the Player of the Match award, was dropped early but made the most of his chance. His aggressive approach, coupled with Webster’s composure, added 102 vital runs. Carey’s late flourish, including two massive sixes, added the finishing touches.
Hazlewood Fifer Highlights Australia’s Bowling Depth
Hazlewood’s fifer not only sealed the win but also emphasized the depth of Australia’s pace attack. Pat Cummins lauded his fellow seamer in the post-match press conference, saying, “Give Josh a wicket with any little bit in it, and he finds it. He was brilliant and deserved every bit of that five-wicket haul.”
The consistency and seam presentation Hazlewood offers has made him indispensable, even keeping Scott Boland out of the playing XI. This performance adds yet another chapter to Hazlewood’s growing reputation as one of the most reliable pacers in Test cricket.
World Test Championship 2025-27: Australia Opens With a Bang
With the win, Australia secures their first points in the World Test Championship 2025-27. The victory comes at a crucial time, following a heartbreaking loss at Lord’s just two weeks ago. The dominant showing in Barbados sends a strong message to the rest of the cricketing world.
Though the match was balanced after the first two innings—Australia 180, West Indies 190—the visitors fell behind quickly in the second half, thanks to contributions from the Australian middle order and Hazlewood’s fifer in the final innings.
Beau Webster: The Unsung Hero
While the Hazlewood fifer stole the spotlight, Beau Webster’s performance deserves special mention. With a half-century and two key wickets, Webster showcased his value on challenging pitches. His technique and temperament have made him a reliable middle-order asset.
Pat Cummins said, “He always contributes in some way. He’s knocked on the door for years in Shield cricket and now he’s showing why he belongs here.”
Shamar Joseph Fights Back for West Indies
For West Indies, Shamar Joseph was the lone bright spot. He took 5 for 87 in Australia’s second innings and scored a quickfire 44, including two massive sixes. However, his efforts were not enough to prevent a crushing defeat.
Despite moments of individual brilliance, West Indies struggled with dropped catches and poor decision-making. They dropped Travis Head early, which proved costly, and failed to capitalize on their first-innings lead of 10 runs.
Top Order Concerns Remain for Australia
While the middle order and Hazlewood’s fifer masked some issues, Australia’s top order remains a concern. Sam Konstas failed again, falling twice to deliveries angling back. With growing pressure and technical flaws exposed, his place in the team may come under review.
Cummins acknowledged, “Sammy is still learning. He’s got to figure out where his scoring options are under pressure. We have full confidence in him, but there’s work to be done.”
Conclusion: Hazlewood Fifer Seals Statement Victory
Australia’s comprehensive win was a combination of gritty batting and world-class bowling, headlined by the unforgettable Hazlewood fifer. It was a perfect start to their WTC campaign and a reminder of their ability to dominate on difficult surfaces.
With the second Test approaching, Australia will look to carry this momentum forward. If Hazlewood continues in this vein, fans can expect more match-winning performances from the veteran pacer.
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Sibtain Rizvi