Jamaica, July 15(HS): Mitchell Starc's 100th Test match was marked by an exceptional performance against the West Indies, taking 6 wickets for just 9 runs, which included his 400th Test wicket. Australia, after setting a target of 204 runs, witnessed a catastrophic West Indies collapse, who were bowled out for just 27 runs, the second-lowest score in Test history. Starc wreaked havoc in the first over, dismissing John Campbell, Kieron Pollard, and Brandon King, leaving the West Indies at 0 for 3, a rarity in Test cricket. He completed his 400th wicket by taking Michael Lewis' wicket with the first ball of his second over and followed it by getting Shai Hope LBW.

Notably, Starc claimed five wickets in just 15 balls, setting a new record for the fastest five wickets in Test cricket. Scott Boland further dismantled the innings with a hat-trick, dismissing Justin Greaves, Shamar Joseph, and Jomel Warrican consecutively. West Indies' innings ended at 14.3 overs, only managing one run more than the lowest Test score of 26.

Australia had earlier posted 121 runs in their second innings, with Alzarri Joseph and Shamar Joseph's bowling performances standing out. In the series, Shamar Joseph took 22 wickets, the best for a West Indies bowler against Australia since 1999.

Match Scorecard:

Australia: 225 (Smith 48, Green 46; Shamar 4/33) and 121 (Green 42; Alzarri 5/27, Shamar 4/34)

West Indies: 143 (Campbell 36; Boland 3/34) and 27 (Stark 6/9, Boland 3/2)

Result: Australia won the match by 176 runs and claimed the series 3-0.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar