For a spinner’s paradise Dominica sure was friendly to Australia’s fast bowlers on Wednesday.

After days of speculation Australia would hand leg-spinner Fawad Ahmed a debut in a two-pronged spin attack alongside Nathan Lyon (1-20), it was Australia’s World Cup-winning pace trio who stole the show at Windsor Park.

Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Johnson and Mitchell Starc repaid the selector’s faith in them by ripping through the West Indies, dismissing the hosts for a mere 148 on day one of the first Test.

It’s the Windies’ second-lowest first innings total against Australia in the Caribbean.

By stumps Australia had reached 3-85 to be just 63 runs in arrears with seven first innings wickets remaining.

Hazlewood, who starred in last week’s tour match in Antigua, was the man to get the ball rolling on Wednesday.

The 24-year-old delivered the first wicket of the day, before steaming in after lunch to claim two more scalps as the Windies’ lost 7-63 in a calamatious afternoon session.

Hazlewood finished with 3-33 from 15 overs with Johnson also taking three wickets.

Starc, who looked rusty in his opening spell, came back strongly himself and was rewarded with 2-48 from 15 overs.

“I thought we came out after lunch and really turned it on,” Hazlewood said.

“Everyone bowled very well after lunch and we saw the results.”

The trio may be in the team right now but Peter Siddle is in the touring party in the Caribbean while Ryan Harris will come into the equation for the following Ashes series.

Hazlewood says it’s that depth in Australia’s fast bowling stocks right now which is fuelling every individual.

“There’s plenty of competition for spots which I think is a good thing, it keeps you on your toes and keeps bringing out the best in the bowlers that are picked for each individual game,” he said.

Just as important as Australia’s intent with the ball was their execution in the field.

Michael Clarke was a ball magnet in the slip cordon, snaring three catches, including a spectacular one-handed effort low to his left for Lyon’s solitary success.

Shaun Marsh’s two-handed diving effort in gully before tea to remove opener Shai Hope (36) was crucial to the success that followed while debutant Adam Voges made a rank long-hop from Steve Smith (1-2) into a wicket-taking delivery by sprinting and diving to catch Jerome Taylor (6) at midwicket.

Hazlewood said their fielding effort shouldn’t be a surprise.

“You expect to catch everything, what we did today. It was just a good day in the field.”

Australia’s progress was halted somewhat with the loss of three wickets in the final session but with Smith unbeaten on 17 and Voges not out after a brisk 20 before stumps, expectations are high the team will take a near-unbeatable position on day two.

West Indies: Worst first innings totals at home against Australia

136 – Trinidad, 1995

148 – Dominica, 2015

149 – Barbados, 1991

167 – Trinidad, 1999

182 – Guyana, 1955

195 – Barbados, 1995

205 – Guyana, 1978

214 – Antigua, 1991

216 – Barbados, 2008

218 – Dominica, 2012

– AAP