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Key Points

Pat Cummins lauded Josh Hazlewood's match-winning spell after Australia's convincing 159-run victory over West Indies. The paceman's 5-wicket haul skittled the hosts for 141 while chasing 301. Middle-order contributions from Carey, Head and Webster proved crucial after Australia's first-innings collapse. The skipper admitted it was an "even fight" before his team pulled away decisively.

Key Points: Pat Cummins Hails Josh Hazlewood After Australia's WI Test Win

  • Hazlewood's 5/43 dismantled WI batting
  • Australia recovered from shaky start to post 310
  • Carey, Head, Webster steadied middle order
  • Cummins calls it a "great Test" despite one-sided finish
3 min read

Cummins picks Australia's special player after wrapping up great Test against WI with victory

Cummins praises Hazlewood's 5-wicket haul as Australia dominate West Indies by 159 runs in a thrilling Test match at Kensington Oval.

"He's special... if there's anything in the pitch, he has a good presentation of the seam. - Pat Cummins on Josh Hazlewood"

Bridgetown, June 28

Australia captain Pat Cummins was all in praise of "special" Josh Hazlewood, who ripped through the West Indies batting unit in what turned out to be a "great" Test, ending with the Baggy Greens cruising to a 159-run triumph with consummate ease at Kensington Oval.

After getting off to a dodgy start in the first innings, Australia managed to get into a position to challenge the West Indies in the battle for authority. But the tourists eventually gained control, thanks to their experience and winning pedigree. After Travis Head (61), Beau Webster (63) and Alex Carey (65) fuelled Australia's second innings to 310, Hazelwood took the onus of enthralling the fans by orchestrating a classic pace onslaught.

With his textbook line and lengths, Hazlwood rattled the Caribbean stars to make quick work of their batting order and forced the hosts to pack on 141 in 33.4 overs. The seasoned quick returned with sizzling figures of 5/43 in the second innings to ensure Australia successfully defended the 301-run target.

"He's special (on Josh Hazlewood), if there's anything in the pitch, he has a good presentation of the seam, bowls the perfect lengths and keeps impressing. He's come off runs in the Sheffield Shield (on Beau Webster), he's got runs in different conditions and keeps keeping the scoreboard ticking," Cummins said after the match.

The West Indies managed to escape with a slender 10-run lead after bundling out Australia on 180 and piling up 190 on the board in the first innings. However, Australia's resilient middle-order responded boldly and ran away with the game in the second innings to turn the contest into a seemingly one-sided affair. However, for Cummins, the majority of the Test was an "even fight" between both sides.

"I think it was a great Test, thought it would be a tight day coming into the game today, we played well though. But for most of the Test, it was an even fight. I thought we could get to 200, but the way the boys batted. Carey out there, I thought we had enough," he added.

Australia will have five days of rest before embarking on their next assignment, the second Test, against the West Indies, which begins on July 3. Cummins laid out their plans for the short period and said, "We'll have a couple of days off, a short turnaround for the next game, we'll fly down over there in a couple of days, have a look at the conditions and plan for the next game."

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Shreya B
As an Indian cricket fan, it's frustrating to see Australia's bench strength while we struggle to find consistent performers beyond our main XI. Their system produces quality players like Webster who can step up when needed.
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Aryan P
The way Australia bounced back after first innings shows their champion mentality. West Indies had them on the ropes but couldn't capitalize. This is where experience matters - something our young Indian team needs to develop.
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Priyanka N
While Hazelwood was brilliant, I feel the article is giving too much credit to Australia. The Windies batting collapse was more due to their own weaknesses than just good bowling. Our Indian team would have chased 301 against this attack! 💪
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Varun X
Cummins' captaincy is so calm and composed. Unlike our emotional Indian fans who panic at every setback, he trusted his team to turn things around. That's the mark of a great leader.
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Nisha Z
The article mentions Australia's "winning pedigree" - this is exactly what we need to develop in Indian cricket. Too often we dominate at home but struggle overseas. Need to learn from teams like Australia!

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