Australia’s Mitchell Starc delivered a historic performance in the third Test against the West Indies, achieving the fastest five-wicket haul in Test match history. The Australian team secured a comprehensive victory, dismissing the West Indies for just 27 runs in their second innings, marking the second-lowest total in Test cricket history.
Starc’s remarkable feat unfolded in the first session before tea, where he removed five West Indies batsmen—John Campbell, Kevlon Anderson, Brandon King, Mikyle Louis, and Shai Hope—in just 15 balls, conceding only two runs. This extraordinary performance not only showcased his bowling prowess but also marked his 400th Test wicket, making him only the fourth Australian to reach this milestone, and he accomplished this in his 100th Test match.
Historic Collapse of West Indies
The West Indies struggled from the outset, collapsing to 0-3 in the opening over. By the time tea was called, they were languishing at 22-6. Starc returned after the break to claim his sixth wicket, contributing to a 176-run victory for Australia. The hosts were set a target of 204 runs to win but could not recover from their disastrous start.
Notably, the West Indies narrowly avoided breaking the record for the lowest-ever Test innings total. New Zealand currently holds that dubious distinction with a score of 26 against England in 1955. Before this match, the West Indies’ previous lowest total had been 47, which they achieved in their second innings against England in 2004.
Starc’s achievement eclipses the previous record of five wickets in 19 balls, held by fellow Australian Ernie Toshack, who accomplished this feat against India in 1947. The Australian cricket team’s strong performance solidifies their dominance in the series, having completed a clean sweep against a struggling West Indies side.
This match serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by the West Indies in the current cricketing landscape, and the record-breaking performance by Starc will be remembered as a highlight in Australian cricket history.
