In a remarkable display of fast bowling, Australian cricketer Mitchell Starc etched his name into the annals of cricket history during a Test match held in Jamaica against the West Indies. Starc achieved the astonishing feat of taking the fastest five-wicket haul in Test cricket, completing this milestone in a mere 15 deliveries—a record that surpasses the previous benchmark by four balls. The West Indies team, facing a daunting challenge, crumbled spectacularly, bowled out for just 27 runs, marking one of the lowest totals in the format’s rich history.
The Australian team had already established dominance in the series, holding an unassailable 2-0 lead before entering this particular match. Early on, the West Indies had dismissed Australia for just 121 runs, setting a challenging target of 204 for victory. However, hopes of a remarkable turnaround quickly faded under the relentless pressure applied by Starc, who decimated the host’s top order with his exceptional skill. By the end of the first over, the scoreboard reflected a shocking 7-5, with Starc claiming three key wickets right out of the gate.
Starc’s staggering statistics at that point read five wickets for just two runs, a testament to his lethal effectiveness on a lively pitch. Commentator Samuel Badree aptly captured the extraordinary nature of the moment, remarking, “A five-wicket haul in 2.3 overs. Things dreams are made of, especially in your 100th Test match.” This encapsulated the magic of the occasion, as Starc’s incredible performance was underscored by impeccable bowling that left the West Indies reeling yet again.
The drama commenced with Starc’s very first delivery of the innings, which resulted in John Campbell edging the ball to Josh Inglis, the stand-in wicketkeeper. Following this initial breakthrough, Kevlon Anderson shockingly let a delivery pass him by that would have hit the middle stump, resulting in his dismissal. Starc continued his onslaught, bowling Brandon King next, which left the West Indies scoreboard reading a dismal 0-3 after just the opening over.
Starc’s rampage did not cease as he returned in the following over, trapping Mikyle Louis lbw after Louis had managed to score just four runs. To cap off his remarkable five-wicket haul, Shai Hope became another casualty of Starc’s accuracy, succumbing to an lbw decision and sending Starc into the elite 400 Test wickets club. Former Australian teammate Brad Haddin praised Starc’s achievement, stating, “It couldn’t happen to a nicer bloke,” as he reflected on Starc’s contributions to the game and his ability to rise to the occasion during pivotal moments like these.
The previous record for the fastest five-wicket haul in Test cricket was held jointly by England’s Stuart Broad, and Australians Ernie Toshack and Scott Boland, the latter of whom also played in this match. Broad’s record was set during an Ashes Test against Australia in 2015, while Boland’s was established during a remarkable spell against England in 2021.
In a fitting tribute to Starc’s achievements, Ian Bishop, a renowned former West Indies quick, referred to him as a “lovely human being,” highlighting Starc’s character as much as his prowess on the field. Bishop emphasized that Starc’s record-breaking five-wicket haul was a reflection of both skill and integrity, showcasing that “good guys still win.”
As the match progressed, Scott Boland sought to shine in the limelight as well and took a hat-trick, further reducing the hosts to a precarious 26-9. Although the West Indies managed to surpass the infamous 26-run total—previously the lowest score in Test history set by New Zealand in 1955—they ultimately succumbed to Starc’s brilliance. The final blow came when Starc clean bowled Jayden Seales for his sixth wicket, sealing West Indies’ doom at 27 runs. The match encapsulated the sheer unpredictability and excitement of Test cricket, amplified by moments of brilliance from Mitchell Starc and his fellow Australians. The match showcased a blend of skill, determination, and the unpredictable nature of the game, further solidifying Starc’s legacy in cricket history.
