In a performance for the ages, the left-arm quick Mitchell Starc etched his name deeper into cricket history, spearheading Australia’s commanding 176-run victory over the West Indies in Kingston. The emphatic win not only secured a resounding 3-0 series sweep for the tourists but was highlighted by Starc’s breathtaking display in his 100th Test match, leaving the West Indies’ batting lineup in tatters and setting new benchmarks for fast bowling.

Mitchell Starc’s unprecedented opening salvo and milestone achievement

Starc delivered an opening spell of unparalleled ferocity and precision, dismantling the West Indies’ chase of 204 in a mere 15 balls to claim the fastest five-wicket haul in Test history. The hosts crumbled to an astonishing 27 all out, marking the second-lowest total ever recorded in Test cricket, narrowly avoiding New Zealand’s infamous 26 from 1955. This clinical demolition underscored Australia’s dominance throughout the series and solidified Starc’s legacy as one of the game’s premier fast bowlers.

Starc’s centennial Test began with a bang, or rather, a series of devastating blows that left the West Indies reeling. His opening spell was nothing short of miraculous, as he claimed three wickets before the scoreboard even registered a single run. The carnage began immediately, with Starc removing opener John Campbell with the very first ball of the innings, caught behind by the wicketkeeper. Just four balls later, debutant Kevlon Anderson was trapped plumb lbw, failing to trouble the scorers. The relentless assault continued as Brandon King’s stumps were rattled shortly thereafter, completing a hat-trick of early dismissals that sent shockwaves through the West Indies dressing room and the Kingston crowd.

Starc’s masterclass didn’t end there. He continued his relentless charge, swiftly dispatching Mikyle Louis and the experienced Shai Hope to complete his five-wicket haul in an astonishing 15 deliveries. This phenomenal feat shattered the previous record for the fastest Test ‘five-for,’ which stood at 19 balls, jointly held by Ernie Toshack (1947), Stuart Broad (2015) and Australia’s own Scott Boland (2021). Starc ultimately finished with incredible figures of 6 for 9, a testament to his raw pace, swing, and accuracy. Beyond his record-breaking spell, the match also saw Starc join an elite club of Australian bowlers, becoming only the fourth to reach 400 Test wickets. He now stands alongside legends Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath and current teammate Nathan Lyon, a remarkable achievement that underscores his longevity and impact in the purest format of the game.

West Indies’ historic collapse and Scott Boland’s hat-trick drama

The West Indies’ second innings was a harrowing spectacle, a rapid descent into cricketing infamy. While Starc initiated the collapse, the pressure was maintained by the entire Australian bowling attack. Adding to the drama and the hosts’ misery, Scott Boland, who himself had previously held a share of the fastest five-for record, claimed a dramatic hat-trick. This was the tenth hat-trick in Australian Test history, a significant milestone in its own right. Boland’s victims were Justin Greaves, Shamar Joseph and Jomel Warrican, dismissed in quick succession, bringing the West Indies’ score to a precarious 26-9.

At this point, the specter of the lowest-ever Test total (New Zealand’s 26) loomed large. Despite the immense pressure, the West Indies managed to add a single, solitary run, narrowly avoiding the unwanted record. However, their reprieve was brief. Starc, fittingly, returned to deliver the final blow, dismissing Jayden Seales to seal the emphatic 176-run victory and complete the series whitewash.

Earlier in the match, Australia’s second innings also saw a collapse of sorts, as they were bowled out for 121. This gave the West Indies a glimmer of hope, largely due to the impressive bowling performances of Alzarri Joseph, who claimed 5/27, and Shamar Joseph, who took 4/34. However, the target of 204 proved to be far too challenging against an Australian attack inspired by Starc’s historic efforts, culminating in a dominant series sweep for the visitors.