Australia triumph in first Test against the West Indies as bowling attack saves batsmen’s blushes

Australia’s reliable three once again saved the day against the West Indies, but underneath lies a worrying reality.

Australia’s pace attack has once again come to the rescue as the Aussies have taken a 1-0 lead in the Frank Worrell Trophy, beating the West Indies in Barbados.

Chasing a daunting 301-run target for victory, the West Indies were in trouble from the outset as the Australian quicks wreaked havoc on Saturday morning (AEDT).

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Paceman Josh Hazlewood ripped through the Windies top order, claiming 4-4 in a stunning three-over burst to put Australia in the driving seat.

“They are playing good as always. It’s like a broken record these days watching the Australian bowling attack,” former Australian cricketer Greg Blewett said in commentary for Kayo.

“They’re so experienced and so clinical.

“After a really good session here on Day 3, they can freshen up overnight and they’ll be ready to go to knock over the West Indies in the morning.

“They also share it around really well. This time it’s Josh Hazlewood. Good figures.”

The quick added another to his tally later in the morning to finish with figures of 5-43.

While Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins also took one apiece before Nathan Lyon did the damage late, cleaning up the tailenders.

Australia's bowling trio of Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc did the damage again. Photo by Alex Davidson-ICC/ICC via Getty Images)

The incredible performance of Hazlewood and the Aussie bowling attack, covered over the cracks of what was another dismal display from the Aussie batsmen.

Earlier, the tourists posted 310 courtesy of defiant fifties from vice-captain Travis Head, all-rounder Beau Webster and wicketkeeper Alex Carey, after the top-order failed again.

On Day 2, Sam Konstas failed again making just 5 off 38 balls as his Test average through six games sits at just above 20.

Khawaja (15) and Inglis (12) also fell cheaply in the second innings.

Inglis was sent packing for 12 after leaving a delivery from Jayden Seales that nipped in and crashed into off stump.

Cameron Green also struggled again in his new No. 3 role, out for just 15.

Safe to say him slotting in at No. 3, has not been the instant success Australian selectors would have hoped for. Since coming back into the team he has scores of 4, 0, 3 and 15.

He also dropped a regulation chance on Day 3, as his Test nightmare continued.

You can watch Cam Green’s howler in the player at the top of the page.

Josh Hazlewood tore through the West Indies on Day 3. (Photo by Randy Brooks / AFP)

Australian pace attack ageing out

While for now the likes of Starc, Hazlewood and Pat Cummins can come to the rescue, all three are deep in their 30s and will likely retire in the coming years.

And the two waiting in the wings after impressing at Shield level, Scott Boland and Michael Neser, are 35 and 34 respectively.

That leaves a worrying abyss when the trio calls time on their illustrious careers.

But while the three-pronged attack will likely end in the years to come, fans are soaking it in while they still can.

“The Australian pace attack is the best in the business,” one fan wrote.

“37 35 34 32 is the age of Lyon, Starc, Hazlewood and Cummins. Too old to be continuing much longer? However, they do have 553, 389, 283 and 302 test wickets equalling 1527 in total. Insane,” another added.

While a third said: “Thank god for the quicks”.

Originally published as Australia triumph in first Test against the West Indies as bowling attack saves batsmen’s blushes