Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc made history as he became the fastest bowler in Test cricket history to claim a 5-wicket haul, doing so in just 2.3 overs (15 balls) against the West Indies at Sabina Park.
Starc Strikes Again Under Lights with Fifth Pink-Ball Fifer
Left-arm seamer Mitchell Starc is a beast when it comes to day/night Test matches. The left-arm seamer grabbed his fifth five-wicket haul with the pink ball, dismantling West Indies for just 27 runs in the second innings while they were chasing 199 at Sabina Park. However, the West Indies avoided further humiliation by narrowly escaping the lowest Test total ever recorded, 26-runs a record held by New Zealand against England.
Advertisement
The record for the fastest five-wicket haul was previously held by Ernie Toshack of Australia, who achieved it in 19 balls against India in 1947. That record was later equalled by Stuart Broad of England and Scott Boland of Australia. Mitchell Starc now stands alone at the top, having claimed his five wickets in just 15 balls, finishing with incredible figures of 6-9 in the third Test.
Starc’s 100th Test Heroics: 400 Wickets and a Devastating Opening Spell
In his milestone 100th Test, Left-arm seamer seized the moment and added another milestone to his career by becoming just the fourth Australian bowler to reach 400 Test wickets, joining legends Glenn McGrath, Shane Warne, and Nathan Lyon.
Also Read: IND vs ENG: “Test Cricket at Its Best” - Reactions Pour In After Edge-of-the-Seat Finish at Lord's
Advertisement
Australia had set a tricky target of 204 runs for the West Indies in the final innings. But they were hit by a Starc storm, as the veteran pacer took 3 wickets in his very first over, leaving the hosts reeling at 7runs with the loss 5 wickets at one point.
Boland’s Hat-Trick and Starc’s Brilliance Seal 3-0 Series Win for Australia
Though the West Indies managed to add some runs and avoid the all-time lowest total, they couldn't escape for long. Scott Boland delivered the final blow with a stunning Test hat-trick (3/2), cleaning up the tail and helping Australia seal a 3-0 series whitewash at Sabina Park.
Mitchell Starc was named Player of the Match for his record-breaking spell in his 100th Test, finishing with match figures of 7/42 while continuing his dominance with the pink ball.
