The first Australia vs West Indies Test at the Adelaide Oval scheduled from January 17-21, finished in just under three days with Australia showcasing their brilliance by defeating West Indies with a commanding 10-wicket victory on January 19 (Friday). The Aussies chased down the meek target of 26 runs set by their counterparts in just 6.4 overs taking a 1-0 lead in the two-match series.
West Indies, starting their second innings from an overnight score of 73/6, were bowled out for a mere 120 runs, with Josh Hazlewood claiming yet another five-wicket haul. Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon provided valuable support, taking two wickets each, and Cameron Green also contributed with a wicket, allowing Australia to dismiss West Indies in 35.2 overs.
Having chosen to bowl first, Australia delivered a clinical bowling performance in the first innings, restricting West Indies to 188 runs in 62.1 overs. Hazlewood and skipper Pat Cummins both secured four wickets, while Starc and Lyon added a wicket each. Despite debutant Joseph Shamar's five-wicket haul in West Indies' bowling effort, Travis Head's innings of 119 runs enabled Australia to take the first-inning lead before being bowled out for 283 runs in 81.1 overs. Kemar Roach and Justin Greaves claimed two wickets each, and Alzarri Joseph took one.
In the third day's play, West Indies lost their remaining four wickets, with Starc dismissing Joshua Da Silva and Alzarri, and Hazlewood accounting for Motie. The debutant Shamar made a brief contribution with the bat, hitting three boundaries for his 15 runs, but Lyon eventually dismissed him, concluding West Indies' innings in 35.2 overs.
Travis Head, for his pivotal knock of 119 runs off just 134 balls, was awarded the Player of the Match. "It was challenging through parts, lucky the experience came through. Nice to get some runs this summer. Great crowd, hope everyone enjoyed it," remarked Head during the post-match presentation as per Cricbuzz.
The second and final Test is scheduled at The Gabba in Brisbane, commencing on January 25, followed by the white-ball leg between the two teams.