WI vs AUS 3rd Test: Starc smashes record as Windies crash to 70 year low

New Delhi: Mitchell Starc made history on his 100th Test appearance, taking five wickets in just 2.3 overs to dismantle the West Indies for a mere 27 runs in the third Test at Kingston. The Australian pacer, alongside Scott Boland, ensured a clean sweep for the visitors as they sealed a 176-run victory and clinched the series 3-0.

The West Indies’ 27-run innings marked the second-lowest total in Test history, narrowly avoiding New Zealand’s infamous record of 26 set in 1955. The hosts survived by just one run from recording the lowest Test total ever, collapsing in just 14.3 overs under relentless Australian pressure.

Starc triggered the collapse with the very first ball of the innings, dismissing John Campbell, before removing Kevlon Anderson and Brandon King in the same over. With the scoreboard reading 7/5, the target of 204 was never within reach for the Windies.

Rank Team Opposition Total Ground Year
1 New Zealand England 26 Auckland  1995
2 West Indies Australia 27 Kingston 2025
3 South Africa England 30 Gqeberha 1896
4 South Africa England 30 Birmingham 1924
5 South Africa England 35 Cape Town 1899

 

Starc breaks 80-year-old record and joins elite 400 club

Starc’s devastating 15-ball spell broke Ernie Toshack’s 1945 record for the fewest balls taken to complete a five-wicket haul in Test cricket.

With this remarkable 15-ball spell, he broke Ernie Toshack’s record for the fewest balls to a five-wicket haul set back in 194,5 and there was no air for Windies to breathe as they gasped further as Boland took Justin Greaves, Shamar Joseph and Jomel Warrican in successive deliveries.

Balls Player Against Year
15 Mitchell Starc West Indies 2025
19 Emie Toschack India 1947
19 Stuart Brood  Australia  2015
19 Scott Boland  England 2021
19 Shane Watson South Africa  2011

With this performance, Starc joined the elite club of Australians with 400 or more Test wickets, becoming only the fourth bowler from his country to achieve this milestone after Shane Warne (708), Glenn McGrath (563), and Nathan Lyon (562).

Rememberable series sweep

Earlier in the day, the match had a different complexion as Australia resumed at 99 for 6 in their second innings, leading by 181, with Cameron Green unbeaten on 42. However, Shamar Joseph dismissed Green with a delivery that jagged back to hit the top of the off stump, briefly raising West Indies’ hopes.

In the end, it was Australia’s bowlers who sealed the match and the series emphatically, maintaining their dominance with a 3-0 series victory.