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In a breathtaking display of fast bowling, Mitchell Starc etched his name into the record books by claiming the fastest five-wicket haul in Test cricket history, needing just 15 deliveries to dismantle the West Indies top order on Day 4 of the third Test in Kingston, Jamaica. His sensational spell helped Australia secure a 176-run victory and complete a 3-0 clean sweep in the series.
Starc’s fiery opening burst left the hosts reeling and virtually out of contention in their pursuit of 204 runs. He returned later to add a sixth scalp to his tally after teammate Scott Boland picked up a remarkable hat-trick, further sealing West Indies’ fate.
West Indies collapse to second-lowest total in Test history
The Caribbean side was bowled out for a shocking 27 runs, registering the second-lowest total ever in men’s Test cricket — only behind New Zealand’s 26 against England in 1955. The carnage at Sabina Park unfolded so rapidly that it left players and fans stunned alike.
Starc’s brilliance up front exposed the West Indies’ fragile batting, as they lost wickets in clusters without ever looking settled. The collapse marked another low point for the once-mighty Caribbean side.
Starc joins elite club with 400 Test wickets
In addition to his record-setting spell, Starc reached another major milestone — becoming just the fifth Australian to claim 400 Test wickets, joining the elite ranks of Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath, Nathan Lyon. The left-arm pacer has now further cemented his legacy as one of the game’s greatest modern-day fast bowlers.
Fewest balls to a five-wicket haul in Test history:
- 15 balls – Mitchell Starc vs West Indies, Kingston, 2025
- 19 balls – Ernie Toshack vs India, Brisbane, 1947
- 19 balls – Stuart Broad vs Australia, Nottingham, 2015
- 19 balls – Scott Boland vs England, Melbourne, 2021
Also READ: Mitchell Starc sets a new record as Australia wrap up West Indies for 27 to seal 3rd Test win
