Day 3 Review: Australia Overwhelm Barbados

Day 3 of the first West Indies-Australia Test at Kensington Oval, Barbados, on June 27, 2025, was Australia's day as they pulled off a dominant 159-run win within three days, leaving starexch users gasping with a thrilling conclusion. The visitors, starting from 92/4, took their second innings to 310, setting the challenging 301-run target for West Indies. The hosts fell to 141 in 33.4 overs, where Josh Hazlewood's 5/43 and Nathan Lyon's late double-strike ensured the victory.

Australia’s Second Innings Rally

Australia began Day 3 at 92/4, leading by 82 runs, with Travis Head (13*) and Beau Webster (19*) at the crease. The duo added a crucial 102-run fifth-wicket stand, with Head scoring 61 (77 balls) before falling to a low-bouncing delivery from Shamar Joseph (5/87). Webster's made 63, with incisive back-foot hitting, and Alex Carey's bold 65 (40 balls), with a lofted straight drive to the sightscreen, drove Australia to 310. Shamar Joseph's fifer, which included Hazlewood's wicket, was the pick of the lot, but seven dropped catches by West Indies, including Head at 21, cost them dear, leading to discussions on Starexch. Pat Cummins' side made a intimidating target, with Carey's strokeplay providing a cushion against repetition of their World Test Championship final defeat.

West Indies' Collapse

In pursuit of 301, West Indies collapsed to Australia's vigorous pace attack. Mitchell Starc opened the gate in the very first over by leaving Kraigg Brathwaite (0) low in backward square leg. John Campbell (30) and Keacy Carty (16) presented a fleeting resistance, taking the score to 47/1, but Hazlewood's incendiary spell from a modified end changed the complexion of the game. He sent back Campbell (gloving a lap-sweep), Brandon King, and Roston Chase in succession, leaving West Indies on 57/5. Shai Hope (4) and Alzarri Joseph (4) became victims a short while later, Justin Greaves (38) and Shamar Joseph (44) providing a fighting 55-run ninth-wicket partnership. Shamar's belligerent 44 (22 balls) created hopes temporarily, but Lyon's back-to-back in the last over—getting Shamar (caught on slip) and Jayden Seales (caught at short leg)—closed out the match with two balls to spare. Hazlewood's 5/43 drew appreciation, as twin fifties by Head (59 & 61) saw him bag Player of the Match, trending on StarExch.

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Turning Points

Head-Webster Stand: Their stand of 102 runs saved Australia from 65/4, establishing a match-altering stand.

Carey's Blitz: Carey's 40-ball 65, which featured two lofted sixes, mounted Australia's score at breakneck speed, thrilling StarExch fans.

Hazlewood's Fifer: His 5/43, featuring consecutive wickets, dismantled the top order of West Indies.

Shamar's Heroics: Shamar Joseph's 5/87 and 44 runs demonstrated his all-round excellence, even in the defeat.

Lyon's Late Blows: Two wickets on the last over sealed Australia's win, which prevented the fourth day.

What Went Wrong for West Indies

The West Indies pacers, spearheaded by nine wickets (5/87 & 4/46) from Shamar Joseph, were brilliant, but their fielding errors—most notably missing Head and Usman Khawaja—were the clinchers. Application with the bat was lacking, with Greaves and Shamar alone displaying determination in the run chase. DRS controversy surrounding dismissals such as Chase and Hope on Day 2 also took its toll on morale, with opinion rife on StarExch.

Australia's Strengths

Australia's solidity came through as Head, Webster, and Carey saw off an economical pitch with seam and uneven bounce. Hazlewood's tight bowling and Lyon's game-winning effort highlighted their depth, taking a 1-0 series lead.

Looking Ahead

West Indies will seek to rebuild for the second Test, utilising their pace bowling and patching up fielding issues. Australia, boosted by their fourth consecutive victory at Kensington Oval, will seek to continue the momentum. On starexch