A Hundred to Remember: Starc’s Milestone Turns into Mayhem
On Day 3 of the third Test in Kingston, in what might go down as one of the most brutal displays of fast bowling, the West Indies were dismantled by Mitchell Starc for a dreadful 27 runs—the second-lowest Test cricket total ever. Making his 100th Test appearance, an unplayable Starc ended up with jaw-dropping figures of 6 wickets for just 9 runs, including the quickest five-wicket haul in the history of Test cricket, just 15 balls.
In his following demolition, the left-armer crossed into rare territory, picking up his 400th Test wicket, entering a small band of only four Australians to ever do so behind Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath, and Nathan Lyon. “It was one of those days where the ball came out exactly how I wanted,” Starc commented after the match, “and to get 400 in that way just made it even more special.”
Windies Collapse: A Batting Nightmare Unfolds
Chasing a target of 203 runs to win, West Indies began their second innings on Day 3 with hopes of winning the match. But what followed was a complete disaster. Australia’s fast bowlers, led by Starc, unleashed an unstoppable assault.
The entire West Indies team was bowled out for just 27 runs in 14.3 overs—a collapse that lasted less than an hour. It became the lowest total ever recorded against Australia in a Test match, and the second lowest in Test cricket history, only behind New Zealand’s 26 in 1955.
The West Indies had shown moments of fight throughout the series, but their fragile batting was ruthlessly exposed. Captain Roston Chase was visibly dejected, admitting post-match, “This is quite embarrassing. We did well in parts, especially with the ball. But with the bat—we completely laid down.”
Boland’s Hat-Trick: The Perfect Support Act
While Starc stole the show, Scott Boland added to the spectacle with a jaw-dropping hat-trick, removing Justin Greaves, Shamar Joseph, and Jomel Warrican in consecutive deliveries. It was only the 11th Test hat-trick by an Australian and the first since 2019.
Boland’s clinical spell ensured there was no resistance in the tail and exemplified Australia’s ruthless depth in their bowling attack. “It felt surreal,” said Boland. “You dream of these moments, but to do it in a Test match, in a series like this, is something else.”
Australia Sweep Series in Style, Send Warning Signals
With the win, Australia completed a 3-0 series sweep, reinforcing their dominance in red-ball cricket. Despite batting inconsistencies earlier in the series, the bowlers—led by Starc, Cummins, Hazlewood, and Boland—ensured the visitors always stayed on top.
Cummins, the captain, said of his pace attack, with particular mention of Starc, “That was one of the most destructive spells I’ve ever seen. It was raw pace, accuracy, and intent. Mitch turned the game on its head in minutes.”
This historic victory certainly adds glory to Starc’s already illustrious career and blasts a loud warning signal to Australia ahead of their next Test commitments. The third day in Kingston will be etched in memories forever when the West Indies completely fell apart, and the Aussies came in with their pacers to write history through fire.
Match Summary:
- Australia: 225 & 121
- West Indies: 143 & 27
- Result: Australia won by 176 runs
- Player of the Match & Series: Mitchell Starc