Australia’s bowlers stifle West Indies challenge to a record an easy 10 wicket win – Travis Head century makes the difference after bowlers exploit windies vulnerability against pace – By TREVINE RODRIGO IN MELBOURNE. (eLanka Sports editor)
Australia killed off any aspirations of a contest from a disappointing West Indies needing just over two days to complete a demolition job by ten wickets.
But the win came at a cost when Usman Khawaja was shaken up by a Shamar Joseph bouncer which richoceted off his shoulder to his jaw through the grill in his helmet.
Khawaja was cleared of concussion but needs scanning on his jaw and concerns about the impact on his mental clearance. He may miss the second Test according to all indications.
After the Windies restricted Australia to a 95 -run lead, the tourists were never able to capitalise on a lion-hearted bowling effort led by batting hero Shamar Joseph who added a five- wicket haul to his CV on debut.
Joseph, Keamar Roach and Justin Greaves combined to curtail Australia’s batting and were only thwarted by local hero Travis Head who dug Australia out of a challenging situation with a brisk century that put Australia ahead.
Shamar Joseph grabbed 5 for 94, Keamar Roach and Justin Greaves two each, to curb Australia’s run hungry batters.
Head smashed his way to 119 off 134 balls with 3 sixers and 12 fours in a lone effort while all around him departed with very little to the team total.
West Indies in reply, had no answer to the relentless Australian pace attack once more, showing lack of technique and adaptability against an intimidating and accurate Josh Hazelwood led onslaught that saw them bowled out for a pathetic 120 all out.
Australia needed 26 runs for victory and it was only a matter of academic interest about Steve Smith’s debut as an opener after he fell fo 12 in his first effort.
Hazelwood completed a fantastic game claiming 9 wickets but was unlucky no to get a deserved Player-of-the-match award. Travis Head took the honour for his face saving knock.
It looks like a tough assignment for the Windies as they struggle to regroup before the second Test.
The focus on adaptability and an effective counter to Australia’s relentless pace and accuracy will save the more blushes.
