Hazlewood & Head Dominate: Australia Commanding Lead Over West Indies

A stellar bowling performance by Josh Hazlewood and an aggressive century by Travis Head have firmly placed Australia in control of the first Test against the West Indies in Adelaide on Thursday.

Travis Head’s remarkable innings of 119 from 134 balls propelled Australia to a total of 283, securing a commanding 95-run lead in the first innings. Following this, Hazlewood delivered an outstanding bowling spell, claiming four wickets for just two runs at the beginning of the West Indies’ second innings, severely impacting the visitors.

At the close of play on the second day, the West Indies found themselves struggling at 73-6, still 22 runs away from avoiding a follow-on.

Hazlewood’s exceptional seam bowling saw him dismiss the top four West Indies batsmen, including a first-ball duck for Tagenarine Chanderpaul and the crucial wicket of captain Kraigg Brathwaite. The West Indies were reeling at 7-3 and later 19-4 as Alick Athanaze and Kavem Hodge fell to Hazlewood’s precision.

Despite the challenging conditions, Head’s century stood out, as he seemingly played on a different level compared to his counterparts. His innings was characterized by fluent stroke play, reaching his seventh Test century with a splendid cover drive to the boundary. Although he was eventually caught by Kavem Hodge off the bowling of Alzarri Joseph, Head’s damage was done, and Australia asserted control over the match.

With the West Indies struggling to rebuild, Kirk McKenzie and Greaves showed resilience until Nathan Lyon dismissed Greaves for 24 just before stumps. The West Indies concluded the day at 73-6, with Joshua Da Silva remaining not out at 17.

Despite initial challenges, Australia found themselves in a dominant position against a West Indies side weakened by the absence of key players, with exciting newcomer Shamar Joseph impressing with a five-wicket haul on his Test debut. The Australians, led by the attacking display of Travis Head and Hazlewood’s bowling masterclass, were well poised to capitalize on the situation.