West Indies collapse to second-lowest total in Test history as Mitchell Starc claims 6/9 and Scott Boland registers a hat-trick in a dramatic pink-ball Test in Jamaica.
Jamaica, July 15, 2025:
In a devastating display of swing bowling under lights, Mitchell Starc ripped through the West Indies batting lineup to bowl them out for just 27 runs in the fourth innings of the third Test, sealing a comprehensive 176-run win for Australia and a 3-0 series whitewash. The total was the second-lowest in Test cricket history, narrowly missing New Zealand’s infamous 26 in 1955.
Starc’s magical spell of 6 wickets for just 9 runs came in his 100th Test, marking a historic milestone with the fewest deliveries (15 balls) ever to claim a five-wicket haul in Test cricket. His performance overshadowed everything else in the match, earning him both the Player of the Match and Player of the Series awards.
🚨 MITCHELL STARC: 7.3-4-9-6 🥶🔥
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) July 15, 2025
– WEST INDIES BOWLED OUT FOR JUST 27 RUNS IN THE SECOND INNINGS….!!!! pic.twitter.com/Z3tFsjJalT
A Dream Spell from Starc
Australia set a target of 204, after being bowled out for 121 in their second innings—thanks to Alzarri Joseph’s career-best 5/27 and Shamar Joseph’s 4/34. But it was Starc who stole the spotlight. He dismissed John Campbell with the first ball of the innings, then removed Kevlon Anderson and Brandon King off consecutive deliveries to set the tone. His 400th Test wicket came when Mikyle Louis was trapped lbw in the third over, reducing West Indies to 5 for 4.
Even as Shai Hope briefly resisted with two runs, he was also sent packing lbw as Starc’s fifth victim. Jayden Seales was castled to complete Starc’s 6-wicket haul.
Boland’s Hat-trick Adds to the Carnage
Scott Boland, who had a stellar series, joined the destruction after lunch by bagging a hat-trick—dismissing Justin Greaves, Shamar Joseph, and Jomel Warrican off successive balls. This came after Josh Hazlewood had removed Royston Chase for 11/6.
“I was a bit nervous bowling that last ball (to Warrican). Just focused on hitting the right area,” said Boland.
Australia Retain Frank Worrell Trophy
With wins in Barbados, Grenada, and now Jamaica, Australia comfortably retained the Frank Worrell Trophy.
“Didn’t expect things to swing our way till sunset, but the bowling group has been spot-on all series,” Starc commented.
The win was especially remarkable as Alex Carey missed the match due to concussion after being hit by Alzarri Joseph. Josh Inglis stepped in as the wicketkeeper.
West Indies in Disarray
Captain Royston Chase admitted the team’s batting had been their biggest letdown.
“Our bowlers kept us in the fight, but the batting was poor throughout. We need serious work if we want to compete,” he said.
West Indies narrowly avoided the lowest-ever total in Test history, and will now shift focus to the upcoming five-match T20I series, starting Monday.
Tags:
Mitchell Starc 6/9, West Indies all out for 27, Australia vs West Indies 2025, Test hat-trick, Scott Boland, Frank Worrell Trophy 2025, pink-ball Test, cricket news, Test match records, Australia clean sweep
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