Sports Desk:
Mitchell Starc produced a sensational spell of fast bowling, taking six wickets for just nine runs, as Australia bowled out the West Indies for a mere 27 runs — the second-lowest total in Test cricket history — to seal a 176-run victory in the third and final Test on Monday.
Australia wrapped up the win in just 14.3 overs of the West Indies’ second innings during the first day-night Test at Sabina Park, completing a 3-0 sweep in the Frank Worrell Trophy series.
Starc, who was playing his 100th Test, reached the milestone of 400 Test wickets in spectacular fashion. He claimed three wickets in the opening over — a triple-wicket maiden — and took five wickets in his first 15 deliveries, the fastest five-wicket haul in Test history. He narrowly missed a hat-trick but was later supported by Scott Boland, who achieved a hat-trick of his own — the 10th by an Australian in Tests — removing Justin Greaves, Shamar Joseph and Jomel Warrican. Boland finished with figures of 3 for 2.
The West Indies fell just one run short of equaling New Zealand’s record for the lowest Test score of 26, saved only by a misfield from 19-year-old Australian debutant Sam Konstas. Only four West Indies batters managed to score, with the top six contributing just six runs combined.
Earlier in the day, Alzarri Joseph had taken 5 for 27 to bowl out Australia for 121 in their second innings, setting a target of 204 for the hosts. Australia had resumed on 99-6 but lost their remaining wickets within eight overs.
Despite the promising position, the West Indies batting crumbled under relentless Australian pace. Starc dismissed opener John Campbell with the first ball of the innings, and wickets tumbled rapidly from there.
West Indies captain Roston Chase acknowledged the bowlers’ efforts but admitted the batting unit completely collapsed. “It’s a heartbreaking end. The bowlers gave it their all, but our batters didn’t step up,” he said.