Australia crush West Indies to win opening Check in Barbados

Australia ruthlessly accomplished a 159-run victory over West Indies within the first Check on Friday (June 27, 2025) as Nathan Lyon swept up the tail after Josh Hazlewood’s five-wicket masterclass broke the hosts’ resistance on a pitch that deteriorated right into a bowler’s paradise.

Lyon claimed the ultimate two wickets in consecutive deliveries, ending Shamar Joseph’s entertaining knock at 44 from simply 22 balls, as West Indies had been dismissed for 141 chasing an unbelievable 301 handy Australia a 1-0 sequence lead.

“There was sufficient within the wicket, up-and-down from a size,” stated Hazlewood, who completed with figures of 5 for 43.

“It is nearly hitting that space time and time once more and being affected person. I am simply having fun with cricket, Assessments in the intervening time. Good group, ambiance.

“I believe as soon as we noticed West Indies take the second new ball at this time, we thought issues might occur, however not that quick. There’s a couple of cracks on a size from one finish, some went low and we obtained a couple of bowled and lbws.”

Hazlewood’s victims included John Campbell (caught behind trying a scoop), Brandon King (edging to gully first ball), Roston Chase (popping to brief leg) and Keacy Carty (bowled by vicious seam motion), earlier than finishing his thirteenth Check five-wicket haul by having Warrican caught at slip.

Pat Cummins added Shai Hope’s wicket with one other supply that saved fatally low, whereas substitute fielder Marnus Labuschagne’s direct hit ran out Alzarri Joseph to underline Australia’s superiority in all departments.

Earlier, Australia had methodically constructed their match-winning place via clever batting throughout three periods.

Beau Webster (63) and Travis Head (61) solid the match’s first century partnership earlier than Head was left sprawled face-down by a Shamar Joseph supply that scuttled beneath his bat.

Alex Carey’s enterprising 65, that includes a spectacular six onto the stadium roof, successfully sealed the competition regardless of Joseph claiming his personal five-wicket haul with a tireless show of seam bowling.

The day’s dramatic shifts completely encapsulated Check cricket’s unpredictability – from morning resistance to afternoon collapse – with Australia demonstrating exactly why they continue to be the format’s benchmark group.