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🏏 Starc’s 6-for crushes Windies as Australia sweep 3-0
Starc’s 6-for tore through the West Indies batting lineup in one of the most devastating spells ever witnessed in Test cricket. As a result, Australia secured a commanding 176-run win and completed a 3-0 series sweep.
Playing his 100th Test, Starc dominated with the pink ball, exploiting the conditions brilliantly. Meanwhile, Scott Boland added his own chapter to history with a remarkable Test hat-trick.
⚡ Starc’s 6-for sparks early collapse
The collapse started immediately after lunch. John Campbell was removed by the very first delivery — a full ball that swung in late. Moments later, Kevlon Anderson and Brandon King were both bowled in the same over.
Therefore, West Indies crumbled to 0 for 3 within minutes. Yet, Starc kept pressing. He trapped Mikyle Louis lbw to bring up his 400th Test wicket, making him only the fourth Australian to reach the milestone. Just two balls later, Shai Hope fell to another inswinger, deepening the damage.
🔥 Hazlewood joins in before Boland steals the show
🟨 Hazlewood continues the damage
While Starc did the early damage, Josh Hazlewood also struck, removing Roston Chase. This left West Indies at a shocking 11 for 6. Although Greaves and Alzarri Joseph held on briefly, the damage had been done.
🟥 Boland’s hat-trick after Tea seals it
After Tea, Scott Boland delivered a sensational hat-trick:
- First, he had Greaves caught in the slips
- Then, he trapped Shamar Joseph lbw, confirmed on review
- Finally, he bowled Jomel Warrican with a perfect delivery
Consequently, Boland became just the 10th Australian to take a Test hat-trick — his first ever.
💥 For ends it in style
West Indies barely avoided matching the lowest Test score (26), thanks to a misfielded single. Nevertheless, they couldn’t hold on much longer. Starc returned and bowled Jayden Seales, wrapping up the innings.
He finished with astonishing figures: 6 for 9 in 7.3 overs. The innings lasted just 14.3 overs, making it one of the shortest completed efforts in modern Test history.
⏪ Earlier: Josephs fight back, but Starc steals spotlight
Earlier in the day, Australia resumed at 99 for 6 with a lead of 181. Although Cameron Green looked solid on 42, Shamar Joseph bowled him with the first ball of the morning.
Then, Alzarri Joseph cleaned up the tail, picking up 5 for 27, with Shamar adding four wickets of his own. Therefore, Australia were all out for 121, but the total proved more than enough.
Despite the bowlers’ efforts, Starc’s performance stole the spotlight and dictated the course of the match.
📊 Match Summary
| Team | 1st Innings | 2nd Innings |
|---|---|---|
| Australia | 225 | 121 |
| West Indies | 143 | 27 |
🟩 Result: Australia won by 176 runs
🟥 Series Result: Australia won 3-0
🏆 Player of the Match: Mitchell Starc
🌟 Player of the Series: Mitchell Starc
