Bridgetown, Barbados – In a breathtaking display of fast bowling, Australia’s pace trio of Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, and Pat Cummins obliterated the West Indies batting lineup, securing a commanding 159-run victory in the first Test of the 2025-2027 ICC World Test Championship at Kensington Oval. The match, played from June 25 to 27, 2025, concluded in just three days, underscoring the dominance of Australia’s bowling attack on a pitch tailor-made for pace bowling.
Match Context and First Innings
The match began with Australia, led by Pat Cummins, opting to bat after winning the toss. However, their first innings was restricted to 180, with Travis Head’s 59 and Usman Khawaja’s 47 being the standout contributions. West Indies’ bowlers, led by Jayden Seales (5-60) and Shamar Joseph (4-46), capitalized on the lively pitch to keep Australia in check. In response, West Indies managed 190, gaining a slender 10-run lead. Shai Hope’s 48 was the highlight, but Mitchell Starc’s 3-65 ensured the hosts couldn’t build a significant advantage.
The first innings set the stage for a low-scoring, bowler-dominated contest, with the Kensington Oval pitch offering pace, bounce, and movement. Australia’s decision to field three frontline quicks—Hazlewood, Starc, and Cummins—proved prescient, as seam bowlers took 23 of the 24 wickets to fall in the first two days.
Australia’s Second Innings
Australia’s second innings saw them post 310, thanks to gritty performances from Alex Carey (65), Beau Webster (63), and Travis Head (61). Shamar Joseph again impressed for West Indies with 5-87, but Australia’s lead grew to 300, setting a daunting target of 301. The stage was set for Australian bowlers to take center stage.
West Indies’ Second Innings Collapse
Chasing 301, West Indies needed to bat resiliently to salvage a draw. However, Australia’s pace attack had other plans. Josh Hazlewood, described as “at his very best”, led the charge with a devastating spell of 5-43. His back-of-a-length deliveries were relentless, exploiting the pitch’s bounce and movement. He dismissed Brandon King for a duck, sending his stumps flying, and later removed Keacy Carty with a ball that knocked back the off stump.
Mitchell Starc set the tone early, dismissing West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite with the first ball of the first over. His ability to generate swing and extra bounce kept the batsmen guessing, and his 3-65 included crucial wickets that prevented any partnerships from forming. Pat Cummins, the Australian captain, delivered a moment of brilliance by trapping Shai Hope lbw with a delivery that seamed back sharply, breaking the back of the West Indies middle order.
The West Indies batting lineup, which had shown some fight in the first innings, crumbled under the pressure. Only Shamar Joseph, with a spirited 44, offered resistance, but his dismissal—caught behind off Hazlewood—ended any hopes of a fightback. A direct-hit run-out by Marnus Labuschagne to dismiss Alzarri Joseph further compounded West Indies’ woes. Nathan Lyon, the off-spinner, wrapped up the innings with two wickets in consecutive deliveries, dismissing Shamar Joseph and Jayden Seales to seal the victory.
The Lethal Trio’s Masterclass
The term “lethal trio” aptly describes Hazlewood, Starc, and Cummins, whose combined efforts were the cornerstone of Australia’s victory. Hazlewood’s precision and consistency made him the standout performer, his five-wicket haul a testament to his ability to exploit the conditions. Starc’s early breakthroughs and relentless pace ensured West Indies were on the back foot from the outset. Cummins, leading by example, used his experience to deliver under pressure, with his dismissal of Hope proving a turning point.
The trio’s strategy was clear: maintain a tight line and length, exploit the pitch’s bounce, and use variations to keep the batsmen guessing. The Kensington Oval surface, with its pace and occasional low bounce, played into their hands, and they executed their plans to perfection. Their performance was a reminder of why Australia’s pace attack is considered one of the best in world cricket.
Controversies and Context
The match was not without controversy, with several umpiring decisions drawing scrutiny. West Indies coach Daren Sammy expressed concerns over the consistency of TV umpire Adrian Holdstock’s calls, particularly regarding reviews. However, these issues did not overshadow Australia’s dominance, as their bowlers’ skill was the decisive factor.
West Indies, under new captain Roston Chase, were coming off a break from Test cricket since January 2025 and fielded a new-look squad, including debutant Brandon King and returning players like Shai Hope. Australia, meanwhile, were without Steven Smith due to a finger injury and Marnus Labuschagne for the first Test, yet their bowling unit proved more than capable of carrying the team.
Series Implications
This victory gives Australia a 1-0 lead in the three-match series, setting the tone for the remaining Tests. West Indies face a daunting task to regroup and counter Australia’s formidable pace attack. The hosts’ batting frailties were exposed, and they will need to adapt quickly to avoid further defeats. Australia, buoyed by this performance, will aim to maintain their dominance, with Hazlewood, Starc, and Cummins likely to remain their trump cards.
Australia’s lethal trio of Hazlewood, Starc, and Cummins delivered a bowling masterclass, ripping through the West Indies batting lineup to secure a comprehensive victory. Their ability to exploit the conditions, combined with relentless pressure, left West Indies with no answers. As the series progresses, all eyes will be on whether West Indies can find a way to counter this formidable attack or if Australia’s pace bowlers will continue to dictate terms.
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