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Australian pacer Scott Boland produced a magical spell to script a historic moment during the fourth innings of the third and final Test against the West Indies at Sabina Park, Jamaica.
Scott Boland’s fierce hat-trick destroys West Indies
Starc, known for his consistency and control, delivered a devastating burst of fast bowling that saw him claim a remarkable hat-trick, finishing with figures of 3/2. His three victims, Justin Greaves (LBW), Shamar Joseph (caught behind) and Jomel Warrican (bowled), had no answers to Boland’s impeccable line, movement, and seam positioning.
Each delivery was a masterclass: the first jagged back sharply to trap Greaves plumb, the second straightened just enough to catch Joseph’s edge, and the third, a perfect in-dipper, sent the stumps flying. This hat-trick not only dismantled the West Indian tail but also led to their humiliating collapse for just 27 all out, the second-lowest total in Test cricket history. Australia sealed a dominant 176-run victory, and Boland’s hat-trick became the defining highlight of a memorable match.
Joining Australian greats and creating pink-ball history
With this feat, Boland became only the 10th Australian in history to take a Test hat-trick, placing him among an illustrious group that includes Frederick Spofforth, Merv Hughes, Glenn McGrath and Shane Warne. Spofforth was the pioneer, achieving the first-ever Test hat-trick back in 1878-79 against England.
Interestingly, Hugh Trumble and Jimmy Matthews are the only Australians with two Test hat-tricks each, Matthews famously took both in the same match in 1912. Boland’s achievement is even more special as he became the first bowler to record a hat-trick in a Day-Night (pink-ball) Test match, adding a unique footnote to this incredible milestone. His ability to rise under lights, coupled with the historical context of the venue and the match, ensures this performance will be remembered as one of the greatest spells in modern Australian cricket history.
Australian players to take hat-trick in Test cricket
1. Frederick Spofforth vs England, Melbourne, 1879
Spofforth achieved the first-ever hat-trick in Test cricket history. Known as “The Demon Bowler,” he accomplished this feat against England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in 1879. His victims were Vernon Royle, Francis MacKinnon and Thomas Emmett, all bowled. This momentous event cemented his place in cricket folklore as a pioneer of fast bowling. It was a defining moment in the early days of Test cricket, showcasing his destructive ability.
2. Hugh Trumble vs England, Melbourne, 1902
Trumble, an off-spin bowler, claimed his first Test hat-trick against England during the 1902 Ashes series at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. His victims were Bernard Bosanquet, Len Braund and Clem Hill, all dismissed in quick succession. This was a significant moment in an Ashes contest, highlighting his skill and control. Trumble’s ability to deceive batsmen with his spin was legendary, making this a well-deserved achievement.
3. Hugh Trumble vs England, Melbourne, 1903-04
Remarkably, Trumble secured his second Test hat-trick, again against England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, in the 1903-04 Ashes series. This made him the first bowler in Test history to achieve two hat-tricks, a truly exceptional feat. His victims were again key England batter, showcasing his consistent dominance over them. This rare double achievement solidified his status as one of Australia’s greatest early bowlers.
4. Jimmy Matthews vs South Africa, Manchester, 1912 (1st Innings)
Matthews holds a unique record for taking two hat-tricks in the same Test match, a feat never replicated. His first came in the first innings against South Africa during the 1912 Triangular Tournament at Old Trafford, Manchester. His victims were Ottis Gibson, John Blanckenberg and Albie Nourse. This extraordinary display of bowling set the stage for an unprecedented day in Test cricket history.
5. Jimmy Matthews vs South Africa, Manchester, 1912 (2nd Innings)
Continuing his incredible performance, Jimmy Matthews took his second hat-trick of the same match in South Africa’s second innings at Manchester in 1912. This time, his victims were Herbie Taylor, Reginald Schwarz and Thomas Campbell. To achieve two hat-tricks in one Test, across both innings, is an unparalleled accomplishment. It remains one of the most astonishing individual bowling performances ever witnessed.
6. Lindsay Kline vs South Africa, Cape Town, 1957-58
Lindsay Kline, a left-arm orthodox spinner, achieved his Test hat-trick against South Africa in Cape Town during the 1957-58 series. His victims were Percy Mansell, Neil Adcock and Hugh Tayfield. This was a notable moment for Australian spin bowling in an era often dominated by fast bowlers. Kline’s hat-trick demonstrated his ability to extract turn and trouble batsmen, contributing to Australia’s efforts.
7. Merv Hughes vs West Indies, Perth, 1988
Merv Hughes’ hat-trick against the formidable West Indies at Perth in 1988 is famous for being spread across three overs and two innings. He dismissed Curtly Ambrose with the last ball of an over in the first innings. Then, with the first ball of his next over in the same innings, he got Patrick Patterson. Finally, with the first ball of his first over in the second innings, he dismissed Gordon Greenridge, completing a unique hat-trick.
8. Damien Fleming vs Pakistan, Rawalpindi, 1994
Damien Fleming made a dream Test debut by taking a hat-trick against Pakistan in Rawalpindi in 1994. This was a truly memorable start to his Test career, a rare achievement for a debutant. His victims were Mushtaq Ahmed, Aaqib Javed and Salim Malik. Fleming’s ability to perform under pressure on his very first outing showcased his potential as a promising fast bowler for Australia.
9. Shane Warne vs England, Melbourne, 1994
Warne’s hat-trick against England in the 1994 Ashes Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground is one of the most iconic in cricket history. He dismissed Phil DeFreitas, Darren Gough and Devon Malcolm with his mesmerizing leg-spin. This classic Warne moment, with his drift and turn, sent the crowd into a frenzy. It further cemented his status as a legendary spinner and a nightmare for English batsmen.
10. Glenn McGrath vs West Indies, Perth, 2000
Glenn McGrath, known for his relentless accuracy and subtle movement, claimed his Test hat-trick against the West Indies at Perth in 2000. His victims were Sherwin Campbell, Brian Lara and Jimmy Adams. Dismissing a legend like Brian Lara within the hat-trick made it even more special. This feat highlighted McGrath’s ability to consistently hit the right areas and trouble even the best batsmen.
11. Peter Siddle vs England, Brisbane, 2010
Peter Siddle achieved a memorable hat-trick against England on his 26th birthday during the first Ashes Test in Brisbane in 2010. His victims were Alastair Cook, Matt Prior and Stuart Broad, all bowled or trapped LBW. This electrifying performance ignited the Gabba crowd and was a fantastic personal milestone. It remains a highlight of his career and a classic Ashes moment.
Also READ: 5 lowest innings total in Tests featuring West Indies
