The Test match in Kingston didn’t even last three days. The hosts, West Indies, completely collapsed in front of Australia’s pace attack. The result — a humiliating defeat as they were bowled out for just 27 runs, leading to a 3-0 series whitewash for the Caribbean side.
This Test not only broke multiple records but also created new history. The most memorable moment came from Australian pacer Mitchell Starc, who, in his 100th Test, took five wickets in just 15 balls, setting the record for the fastest five-wicket haul in Test cricket history. His bowling figures in the innings: 6 wickets for just 9 runs in 7.3 overs. He also reached the milestone of 400 Test wickets.
Australia had resumed their second innings at 99 for 6. Thanks to brilliant bowling from Shamarh Brooks and Alzarri Joseph, the visitors were bowled out for 121. But with an 82-run lead from the first innings, West Indies were set a target of 204 runs. However, they crumbled and were bowled out for just 27. This is the second-lowest team total in Test history — the lowest remains New Zealand’s 26 against England in 1955.
Alongside Starc, Scott Boland was also exceptional. Given his first opportunity in the series, he claimed a hat-trick. At the time of his hat-trick, the score was 26 for 9. Although they narrowly missed the all-time lowest team total, the fear of it was clearly evident. Josh Hazlewood also bowled superbly, with seven West Indies batters dismissed for ducks in the second innings.
West Indies’ second innings lasted just 14.3 overs, making it one of the shortest innings in modern Test history. Ultimately, Australia won the match by 176 runs.
At the end of the series, Pat Cummins’ Australia is now preparing for the upcoming five-match T20I series against West Indies, which begins on July 21.
After this match, Starc’s record and West Indies’ batting collapse will undoubtedly have a special place in cricket history.
