New Delhi: Mitchell Starc made history on his 100th Test appearance, taking five wickets in just 2.3 overs to dismantle the West Indies for a mere 27 runs in the third Test at Kingston. The Australian pacer, alongside Scott Boland, ensured a clean sweep for the visitors as they sealed a 176-run victory and clinched the series 3-0.
The West Indies’ 27-run innings marked the second-lowest total in Test history, narrowly avoiding New Zealand’s infamous record of 26 set in 1955. The hosts survived by just one run from recording the lowest Test total ever, collapsing in just 14.3 overs under relentless Australian pressure.
Starc triggered the collapse with the very first ball of the innings, dismissing John Campbell, before removing Kevlon Anderson and Brandon King in the same over. With the scoreboard reading 7/5, the target of 204 was never within reach for the Windies.
| Rank | Team | Opposition | Total | Ground | Year |
| 1 | New Zealand | England | 26 | Auckland | 1995 |
| 2 | West Indies | Australia | 27 | Kingston | 2025 |
| 3 | South Africa | England | 30 | Gqeberha | 1896 |
| 4 | South Africa | England | 30 | Birmingham | 1924 |
| 5 | South Africa | England | 35 | Cape Town | 1899 |
Starc breaks 80-year-old record and joins elite 400 club
Starc’s devastating 15-ball spell broke Ernie Toshack’s 1945 record for the fewest balls taken to complete a five-wicket haul in Test cricket.
With this remarkable 15-ball spell, he broke Ernie Toshack’s record for the fewest balls to a five-wicket haul set back in 194,5 and there was no air for Windies to breathe as they gasped further as Boland took Justin Greaves, Shamar Joseph and Jomel Warrican in successive deliveries.
| Balls | Player | Against | Year |
| 15 | Mitchell Starc | West Indies | 2025 |
| 19 | Emie Toschack | India | 1947 |
| 19 | Stuart Brood | Australia | 2015 |
| 19 | Scott Boland | England | 2021 |
| 19 | Shane Watson | South Africa | 2011 |
With this performance, Starc joined the elite club of Australians with 400 or more Test wickets, becoming only the fourth bowler from his country to achieve this milestone after Shane Warne (708), Glenn McGrath (563), and Nathan Lyon (562).
Imposing, relentless and ever-present with ball in hand 😤
Mitchell Starc becomes the fourth Australian to reach 400 Test wickets thanks to another scintillating spell 🔥#WIvAUS 📲 https://t.co/7an5FwsUdF#WTC27 pic.twitter.com/yYVbvuyrux
— ICC (@ICC) July 14, 2025
Rememberable series sweep
Earlier in the day, the match had a different complexion as Australia resumed at 99 for 6 in their second innings, leading by 181, with Cameron Green unbeaten on 42. However, Shamar Joseph dismissed Green with a delivery that jagged back to hit the top of the off stump, briefly raising West Indies’ hopes.
In the end, it was Australia’s bowlers who sealed the match and the series emphatically, maintaining their dominance with a 3-0 series victory.
