Kingston( The COW News Digital)Australia fast bowler Mitchell Starc produced a devastating bowling spell against the West Indies, breaking a 78-year-old Test cricket record and leading his team to a commanding 176-run victory in the third Test match, completing a clean sweep in the series.
The final match of the three-Test series was held in Kingston, where the West Indies needed 204 runs on the third day to win the game. However, Starc’s fiery bowling dismantled the West Indies batting lineup and sealed a comprehensive victory for Australia.
Starc’s record-breaking spell came as he took five wickets in just 15 balls — the fastest five-wicket haul in Test cricket history. This feat shattered the previous record held by Australia’s Ernie Toshack, who took five wickets in 19 balls against India in 1947.
Defending a modest target of 204, Starc’s brilliance helped restrict the West Indies to just 27 runs before being all out, handing them one of the lowest innings totals in Test cricket history. Remarkably, seven West Indies batsmen were dismissed without scoring, marking the first time in Test cricket that seven players were out for ducks in a single innings.
In total, Starc claimed six wickets for just nine runs, delivering a match-winning performance. Additionally, he reached another significant milestone by taking his 400th Test wicket during this game, achieving this landmark in his 100th Test match. Starc became only the fourth Australian bowler to cross this threshold.
Supporting Starc’s efforts, Scott Boland secured a hat-trick and played a crucial role in the victory, while Josh Hazlewood also chipped in with a wicket.
The West Indies’ collapse at 27 runs is the second-lowest innings total in Test cricket history, underscoring the dominance of the Australian bowling attack in this match.
Australia’s clinical performance across the series has sent a strong message about their Test credentials, with Starc’s record-breaking performance standing out as a historic highlight. Cricket fans around the world witnessed a masterclass in fast bowling, as Starc’s pace and precision dismantled the hosts with ruthless efficiency.
