Mitchell Starc produced the spell of his life, tearing through West Indies with staggering figures of six wickets for just nine runs, while Scott Boland claimed a memorable hat-trick as Australia bowled the hosts out for a pitiful 27 to seal a 176-run victory and a 3-0 series whitewash.
It was complete destruction at Sabina Park in Kingston, Jamaica, on Monday, as Australia overcame another shaky first innings to end the match in just 14.3 overs of West Indies’ second innings — the second-lowest Test total in history.
This match was madness. Today felt like it was playing in fast forward. It could have gone either way, but our group found a way through. You talk about resilience and skill — Starc showed what he’s capable of. We’re very lucky to have him.
Resuming on 99 for 6, Australia were swiftly bowled out for 121 within 45 minutes, leaving West Indies a target of 204. Alzarri Joseph returned 5 for 27 and Shamar Joseph 4 for 34, as the home side brimmed with confidence.
West Indies seamer Shamar Joseph had declared the previous evening that any chase under 200 felt within reach. But the optimism evaporated in 15 brutal minutes. Starc struck with his first ball of the innings, removing John Campbell for a first-ball duck, then pinned Kevlon Anderson lbw for nought and bowled Brandon King to leave the scoreboard reading 0 for 3 after his opening over.
Starc wasn’t done. Four overs later, he trapped Mikyle Louis plumb in front and had Shai Hope lbw two balls later to complete his five-wicket haul inside five overs—a blistering burst that also carried him past 400 Test wickets, the fourth Australian ever to reach the milestone.
At 7 for 5, West Indies were staring at ignominy. Roston Chase’s team briefly edged away from the all-time record low of 26 before Boland joined the demolition, removing Justin Greaves via a thick edge to second slip. The next ball trapped Shamar Joseph lbw, and Boland sealed his hat-trick when Jomel Warrican was bowled first ball.
From 11 for 6, West Indies were 26 for 9. Starc completed the rout by dismissing Jaydon Seales, consigning the hosts to a humbling 27 all out.
Justin Greaves top-scored with 11, and the six extras were the second-highest contributor. Seven batters failed to register a run.
It’s heartbreaking to be in this position. It’s been recurring the whole series, which makes it more disappointing. The bowlers kept us in it, but the batting never clicked. We have time to reflect and find ways to put up 300 totals.
Brief Scores: Australia 225 & 121 all out in 37 overs (Cameron Green 42; Alzarri Joseph 5-27, Shamar Joseph 4-34) West Indies 143 & 27 all out (Mitchell Starc 6-9, Scott Boland 3-2). Australia won by 176 runs.
