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Int'l Cricket Council
an hour ago
- Sport
- Int'l Cricket Council
Cummins hails match-winners as Australia get going in WTC27 ICC World Test Championship
In a match that ebbed and flowed, it was Australia who emerged victorious against West Indies in the opening Test of the three-match series in Bridgetown. While the win may not erase the heartbreak of Lord's just two weeks ago, it marks a positive start to their World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle, with their first points now on the board. There was little to separate the sides after the first two innings – just 10 runs, in fact. Jayden Seales' five-wicket haul helped bowl Australia out for 180, before a disciplined all-round effort from the Australian bowlers restricted West Indies to 190, giving the hosts a slender lead. Australia found themselves in trouble at 65/4 after another top-order collapse, but the middle-order trio of Travis Head, Beau Webster and Alex Carey steadied the ship with crucial half-centuries. Head and Webster put together a 102-run stand, with Head playing the aggressor. After Head's dismissal, Carey took charge, highlighted by two brilliant straight sixes off Seales and Justin Greaves. "I thought those three were brilliant," Australia skipper Pat Cummins said at the post-match press conference. "They kept the scoreboard ticking over. I thought they took really good options. They were always looking to score. 'Really, that was the difference. [You are] turning up today thinking that if we didn't get a big lead it was 50-50, really. Those guys took the game away from West Indies." Cummins was particularly impressed by Beau Webster, who, despite having played just five Tests, has already built a reputation for digging Australia out of tough spots with grit and composure on challenging surfaces. On debut against India, the 31-year-old made an instant impact, scoring a half-century on a spicy Sydney pitch in the first innings and following it up with a brisk unbeaten 39 in their victorious chase. In the World Test Championship Final against South Africa, Webster stood tall with a counter-attacking 72 off 92 balls, the top score in Australia's first-innings total of 212. Against West Indies, he once again proved pivotal, anchoring two key partnerships in the second innings with a composed 63 off 120 balls that turned the tide in Australia's favour. He also made an impact with the ball, claiming two wickets in the first innings. Beau Webster helps Australia's cause with half-century | Player Highlights | WTC25 Final Beau Webster marked his first Lord's Test with a half century in the World Test Championship Final. "I think it's pretty much the same as what he does for Tasmania," Cummins said on Webster. "He seems to always contribute in some way. He's kind of knocked down the door with his performances over the years in Shield cricket. It's great when you've got someone like that coming to the team. 'They know their craft so well and you saw that today, even on a tricky wicket, he knew where his areas to score were. He's been a fantastic asset to the team over the last six months." After setting West Indies a target of 301, Australia needed just one session and under 34 overs to seal the win, dismantling the hosts for 141. Leading the charge was the ever-reliable Josh Hazlewood, who delivered a brilliant five-wicket haul to cap off the dominant performance. Hazlewood cleans up Stubbs with a jaffa | WTC25 Final Josh Hazlewood also got himself among the wickets by nipping one in to get rid of Tristan Stubbs. 'Give Josh a wicket with any little bit in it, and he finds it,' Cummins added on his pace bowling partner Hazlewood. 'Just hits the right area, ball after ball, presents good seam. I thought he was great at Lord's as well last week, without perhaps the returns that he was deserved. 'It's a huge asset to have him on our side as well. He's been keeping Scotty Boland out of the side and we know how good Scotty is. Really pumped for Josh this week.' The series now moves to St George's for the second Test, which gets underway on 3 July. ICC World Test ChampionshipNewsAustraliaWest Indies
United News of India
an hour ago
- Sport
- United News of India
Australia seal victory inside three days
Bridgetown, June 28 (UNI) Australia registered a commanding 159-run victory over the West Indies in the first Test at Kensington Oval, wrapping up proceedings within three days. Fast bowler Josh Hazlewood delivered a devastating spell in the final session, claiming 5 for 43 to skittle the hosts for 141 in their second innings, chasing a target of 301. The match hung in the balance on the third morning with Australia leading by 82 runs, but a composed and enterprising middle-order effort from Travis Head (50), Beau Webster (63), and Alex Carey (65) helped Australia stretch their lead to 300 before they were bowled out for 310. Head, who posted twin fifties on a challenging surface, was named Player of the Match. The West Indies began their chase poorly as Mitchell Starc removed Kraigg Brathwaite in the first over. Hazlewood then dismantled the top and middle order with relentless accuracy and hostile short deliveries. John Campbell, who briefly threatened with some unorthodox shots, fell trying to scoop Hazlewood, while Brandon King and Roston Chase followed soon after, the latter gloving a rising ball to short leg. Captain Pat Cummins added to the damage by bowling Shai Hope with a delivery that skidded low, exposing the surface's demons. Despite late resistance from Shamar Joseph, who struck two sixes, the innings crumbled quickly. Off-spinner Nathan Lyon ended the match dramatically with two wickets in two balls in what was to be the day's final over. Earlier in the day, West Indies had again been their own worst enemies in the field, dropping multiple catches. Head was reprieved on 21, while Carey and Webster capitalized on missed chances to build Australia's defining second-innings total. Carey's aggressive 65 off just 49 balls ensured Australia had ample cushion despite a difficult pitch. Shamar Joseph was the standout for the West Indies, bowling tirelessly and taking 5 for 87 in Australia's second innings. However, the lack of support and poor fielding let the home side down in critical phases. The win gives Australia a 1-0 lead in the two-Test series and valuable points in the ICC World Test Championship standings. UNI BDN ARN
The Hindu
an hour ago
- Sport
- The Hindu
Australia crush West Indies to win opening Test in Barbados
Australia ruthlessly completed a 159-run victory over West Indies in the first Test 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 into a bowler's paradise. Lyon claimed the final two wickets in consecutive deliveries, ending Shamar Joseph's entertaining knock at 44 from just 22 balls, as West Indies were dismissed for 141 chasing an improbable 301 to hand Australia a 1-0 series lead. "There was enough in the wicket, up-and-down from a length," said Hazlewood, who finished with figures of five for 43. "It's just about hitting that area time and time again and being patient. I'm just enjoying cricket, Tests at the moment. Good team, atmosphere. "I think once we saw West Indies take the second new ball today, we thought things could happen, but not that fast. There's a few cracks on a length from one end, some went low and we got a few bowled and lbws." Hazlewood's victims included John Campbell (caught behind attempting a scoop), Brandon King (edging to gully first ball), Roston Chase (popping to short leg) and Keacy Carty (bowled by vicious seam movement), before completing his 13th Test five-wicket haul by having Warrican caught at slip. Pat Cummins added Shai Hope's wicket with another delivery that kept fatally low, while 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 position through intelligent batting across three sessions. Beau Webster (63) and Travis Head (61) forged the match's first century partnership before Head was left sprawled face-down by a Shamar Joseph delivery that scuttled beneath his bat. Alex Carey's enterprising 65, featuring a spectacular six onto the stadium roof, effectively sealed the contest despite Joseph claiming his own five-wicket haul with a tireless display of seam bowling. The day's dramatic shifts perfectly encapsulated Test cricket's unpredictability – from morning resistance to afternoon collapse – with Australia demonstrating precisely why they remain the format's benchmark team.
India Today
2 hours ago
- Sport
- India Today
Curtly Ambrose dig fired up Shamar Joseph: Roston Chase praises pacer's character after 1st Test
Newly appointed West Indies captain Roston Chase said that the Curtly Ambrose jibe made at Shamar Joseph fired the young fast bowler up ahead of the Test match against Australia. Shamar picked up 9 wickets in the 1st Test against Pat Cummins' side but was not able to guide the hosts to a win. Shamar also scored a fiery 44 off 22 balls in the final innings, offering slight fireworks after Windies' collapse on Day the opening Test match between West Indies and Australia, former wicketkeeper Ian Healy took a dig at Shamar, calling him out for his exuberant celebrations and appeals. Healy said that Shamar had a terrible time since his Gabba heroics in Australia and had done nothing of note since that game.'He's had a terrible year since he went through us at the Gabba,' Healy had said on SENQ Breakfast. 'Shamar has come out today and said 'just look out and watch what is coming.' OK Shamar, well, you've delivered crap all year."'He'd better improve, that's what I'm saying in the dressing room. He's got real trouble. You're not Curtly Ambrose, champ.'Shamar replied to Healy's comments with sensational spells in both innings, giving West Indies hope against a strong Australian side. He was unplayable in the first innings of the game, and doubled that down in the second innings, finishing with a total of 9 wickets in the Chase, the Windies captain, said that Shamar's performance was a testament to his character and the heart he carried while playing for his national team."Coming into the game, there was a bit of controversy in the news, talking about Curtly Ambrose and stuff (Ian Healy said 'Shamar, you're not Curtly'), I guess he used that as fire to perform the way he did. I just want to congratulate him on the game. Shows the heart and character he has," Chase said after the conclusion of the Test vs AUS, 1st Test: Match ReportHealy Clarifies Shamar CommentShamar's fiery reaction put Healy straight onto his back foot, as a host of criticism came the former cricketer's way. Healy was quick to clarify his comments and said that context was more important before quoting someone incorrectly.'Yesterday, when I talked about backing up Sam Konstas when an opponent sledges him, I sort of talked about what the dressing room might say – is that the context, do you reckon, that I was talking about?' Healy asked co-host, NRL great Corey Parker.'Do you believe I was talking about what the dressing room might say to Konstas, or was it me saying something against Shamar Joseph?"advertisement'Geez, they've come out at me, haven't they! They've said 'oh no, I've sledged Shamar!' Apparently, it's saying I've had a personal dig at Shamar."'He's bowled beautifully again today, and it's not easy with so much gold around your neck!'West Indies vs Former Australia PlayersThis is not the first time that a former Australian cricketer has been called out for ill comments against the West Indies team. In their previous tour of Australia, Windies were called a "pathetic" team by former cricketer Rodney Hogg. After their incredible win at the Gabba, which tied the 2-match series 1-1, then Windies captain Kraigg Brathwaite said that his team turned Rodney Hogg's comments into motivation to beat Australia in the series."I must say we had two words that inspired us in this Test match. Mr. Rodney Hogg said that we were pathetic and hopeless. That was our inspiration. We wanted to show the world we're not pathetic. And I must ask him, are these muscles big enough for him?" Brathwaite had said.- Ends
CNA
2 hours ago
- Sport
- CNA
Captain Cummins backs youngster Konstas as Australia cruise to West Indies win
Captain Pat Cummins backed inexperienced opener Sam Konstas to deliver on the international stage despite the youngster's struggles against the West Indies as Australia won the first test in Bridgetown by 159 runs on Friday. The highly-rated 19-year-old was out for three runs as the Australians made a slow start to the first innings and scored five in his second spell at the crease, but Cummins threw his support behind the Sydney-born right-hander. "One of the hard things about playing test cricket is you get thrown different conditions all the time," said Cummins. "You might not have the flying hours under your belt as a youngster coming in, so you've got to come in and work out your craft on the bigger stage. "The hardest thing when the pitch is doing a lot is getting out of your little bubble, trying to score and take good options, which is really hard in these conditions. You saw today how hard it can be to fire a few shots. "Sammy tried a few different options yesterday, not too many worked out. But (I have) full confidence." Both Konstas and Cameron Green, at number three, struggled but the Australians were set up for victory by the batting performances of Travis Head, Beau Webster and Alex Carey. The West Indies were left to chase a target of 301 to win but, with Josh Hazlewood producing a bowling masterclass to claim five wickets for 43 runs, the hosts were dismissed for 141 as the match ended with two days remaining. "The wicket was playing a lot of tricks," said Cummins. "I thought we might make decent in-roads, but I didn't think we'd get 10. Always nice to get a couple of days off. "I thought those three (Head, Webster and Carey) were brilliant. They kept the scoreboard ticking over. They took really good options and they were always looking to score. That was the difference. "We turned up today thinking that we wouldn't get a big lead, it was 50-50 really and those guys took the game away from West Indies. I thought all three of those were really impressive."
