Josh Hazlewood delivered a devastating spell of fast bowling on day three of the first Test in Bridgetown, Barbados, ripping through the West Indies' top order and leaving them reeling in their chase of a daunting 301-run target. Hazlewood's stunning three-over burst saw him claim four wickets for just four runs, putting Australia firmly on the path to victory and a 1-0 lead in the Frank Worrell Trophy series.
The West Indies began their chase steadily, adding 43 runs for the second wicket before Hazlewood's intervention. His first victim was John Campbell, who attempted a paddle shot but only managed to scoop the ball to wicketkeeper Alex Carey. Next, he dismissed debutant Brandon King for a golden duck, with a thick inside edge ricocheting off the batsman's thigh guard towards gully, where Cameron Green took a diving catch. Hazlewood continued his onslaught by removing Roston Chase for 2, another inside edge ballooning off the pad to short leg. Finally, he bowled Keacy Carty for 20 with a delivery that seamed through the gate.
Earlier in the day, Australia had resumed their innings at 4-92, in a precarious position following a top-order collapse on the previous evening. Travis Head and Beau Webster then combined for a gritty 102-run partnership to rebuild the innings. Head was given a reprieve on 22 when Justin Greaves dropped a catch in the slips, a costly miss as Head went on to score a half-century. However, Head was eventually dismissed for 61 by Shamar Joseph, who trapped him lbw with a grubber.
Webster also reached his fifty soon after the lunch break. Later, Alex Carey contributed a valuable 65 before being dismissed. Shamar Joseph completed his five-wicket haul by dismissing Josh Hazlewood for 12, ending Australia's innings at 310. Joseph's performance marked his fourth five-wicket haul in Tests.
The match has not been without controversy, with several DRS decisions by third umpire Adrian Holdstock sparking debate. Several decisions have gone against the West Indies, leading to frustration within their camp. West Indies coach Daren Sammy and others have voiced their disbelief and displeasure with the calls.
