Australia thrashed the West Indies by 10 wickets in the first Test at the Adelaide Oval on Friday.

After leading the visitors by 95 runs after the first innings, the Australians bowled the West Indies out for 120, leaving a total of 26 to win.

The Australians cruised to the total without losing a wicket, although there was some late drama when, with the scores level, Usman Khawaja was forced to retire hurt after being hit on the jaw by a Shamar Joseph bouncer.

It was a huge disappointment for the West Indies, who had battled hard to restrict Australia to 283 in their first innings after only scoring 188 when batting first.

But their top order capitulated on Thursday in the face of an inspired spell from Josh Hazlewood, who finished with 5-35 after at one stage having the figures of 4-2.

After the West Indies resumed Friday on 73-6, the Australians ran through the lower order, taking the four final wickets for just 43 runs.

Australian batsman Travis Head was named player of the match for his 119, the only Australian to score over 50.

The second and final Test begins in Brisbane on Thursday.

Source: Barron’s 

BDST: 1642 HRS, JAN 19, 2024
MN