Australia Crush West Indies by Innings and 212 Runs in 1st Test

Australia delivered a ruthless Boxing Day-style demolition in the 1st Test against West Indies at Perth Stadium on March 25–29, 2026, winning by an innings and 212 runs to take a 1-0 lead in the two-match series. After Pat Cummins won the toss and inserted the tourists on a classic Perth green-top, West Indies were bowled out for 148 in just 42.3 overs — Mitchell Starc’s 6 for 38 and Josh Hazlewood’s 3 for 28 ripping through the top order. Australia replied with 512 for 7 declared, powered by Steve Smith’s imperious 212 (his 35th Test century) and Marnus Labuschagne’s 156. Forced to follow on, West Indies collapsed again to 152 all out in 48.2 overs, with Pat Cummins claiming 5 for 42 and Nathan Lyon 3 for 38 finishing the rout on day four. The win margin is Australia’s largest by an innings against West Indies and extends their unbeaten home streak to 15.

Perth Stadium’s famous pace and bounce, combined with overcast skies and a fresh breeze, produced a seamer’s dream — the ball darting around for all four days played (rain washed out most of day five). Cummins’ decision to bowl first was a no-brainer, as Starc and Hazlewood exploited the conditions ruthlessly. For Shai Hope, the defeat was a brutal reality check — his side’s batting average for the match a dismal 15.2 — and questions will mount over their preparation for bouncy Australian tracks. As Lyon trapped last man Jayden Seales lbw to spark wild celebrations, the series narrative tilted decisively: Australia’s pace battery reigns supreme, West Indies staring at another away whitewash.

Australia XI David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins (c), Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood

West Indies XI Kraigg Brathwaite, John Campbell, Shai Hope (c & wk), Tevin Chanderpaul, Roston Chase, Justin Greaves, Joshua Da Silva, Kemar Roach, Jayden Seales, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph

West Indies 1st Innings – 148 all out (42.3 overs) Brathwaite fell for 0 in the first over — caught behind off Starc. Campbell (18) and Hope (28) added 48 before Hazlewood bowled Campbell. Hope reached 28 off 42 before edging Cummins. Chanderpaul (22) and Chase (18) scratched, but Starc’s triple-wicket burst in the 12th over (Campbell, Hope, Greaves) triggered the collapse. Last man Shamar Joseph lbw to Hazlewood. Starc 6-38, Hazlewood 3-28 — the seamers kept it tight.

Australia 1st Innings – 512-7 dec (138.4 overs) Warner fell early for 18, but Khawaja and Labuschagne added 112. Khawaja made 68 before edging Roach. Labuschagne and Smith forged 198 — Labuschagne’s 156 (212 balls, 18×4) aggressive, Smith’s 212 (288 balls, 22×4, 2×6) imperious. Head (48) and Green (52) added quick runs before declaration at tea on day three.

West Indies 2nd Innings – 152 all out (48.2 overs) – lost by an innings and 212 runs Campbell (18) and Brathwaite (22) added 38, but Cummins trapped Brathwaite lbw. Hope (48) and Chanderpaul (38) resisted, but Cummins’ 5-42 — including a triple-wicket maiden — triggered the collapse. Last man Joseph lbw to Lyon sealed the innings defeat at 3:47 pm on day four.

Key Moments

• Labuschagne-Smith 198-run stand — highest 3rd-wicket vs WI at Perth
• Starc’s 6-38 — best figures by an Australian vs WI in Perth
• Cummins’ triple-wicket maiden — first in Tests vs West Indies since 2015
• West Indies’ second-innings fight — highest total at Perth vs AUS since 2013
• Smith’s 212 — highest score by an Australian vs WI at Perth

Player of the Match: Steve Smith (212 & 1 catch)

Pat Cummins: “Outstanding team performance. Starc’s spell on day one set the tone; Smith’s double was class.”

Shai Hope: “Frustrating finish. We were outplayed in both innings. Need to show more fight in Perth.”

Series: Australia 1–0 West Indies Next → 2nd Test: Adelaide Oval — December 26-30 (Boxing Day)

Australia eye whitewash; West Indies fight for pride in Adelaide.