Did Starc Break Records in Milestone Test with Fastest 5-Fer in Test History?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Mitchell Starc achieved the fastest five-wicket haul in Test cricket history.
- The West Indies were bowled out for a mere 27 runs, the second-lowest total ever.
- Starc's figures of 6/9 are the best by any player in their 100th Test.
- Scott Boland recorded a hat-trick, contributing to Australia's dominance.
- This match showcased significant records and extraordinary performances.
Jamaica, July 15 (NationPress) - Australia's fast bowler Mitchell Starc made history during the third Test match against the West Indies by achieving a five-wicket haul in an astonishing 15 balls, marking the fastest five-for in Test history. This remarkable feat contributed to the West Indies being bowled out for just 27 runs, which ranks as the second-lowest total in Test cricket history.
The total of 27 is merely one run higher than the all-time lowest Test score, recorded when England dismissed New Zealand for 26 in 1955.
Playing in his 100th Test, Starc claimed three wickets in his opening over after the West Indies were set a target of 204 to win this day-night series finale in Kingston. His fourth wicket came in the fifth over when he bowled Mikyle Louis lbw, making him the fourth Australian bowler to reach 400 career wickets, joining the ranks of Shane Warne (708), Glenn McGrath (563), and his close friend Nathan Lyon (562).
Starc then dismissed Shai Hope with his 15th delivery of the innings, thereby setting a new record for the fastest five-for in Test cricket.
His achievement of taking five wickets in just 15 balls surpasses the previous record of 19 balls held by Ernie Toshack against India in 1947, Stuart Broad against Australia in 2015, and Scott Boland against England in 2021.
At 35 years old, Starc's sixth wicket sealed a commanding 176-run victory for Australia, marking the first time they have swept the West Indies in a three-match series in the Caribbean. Notably, the West Indies recorded seven ducks in their second innings, setting a new record for a Test innings.
Starc concluded with exceptional figures of 6/9, the best bowling performance by any player in their 100th Test, breaking the previous record of 6/54 held by Muthiah Muralidaran for Sri Lanka against Bangladesh in 2006.
Meanwhile, Scott Boland, known for his outstanding bowling average, showcased his skills by achieving a hat-trick, leaving the West Indies struggling at 26/9. He took out Justin Greaves, Shamar Joseph, and Jomel Warrican with three consecutive deliveries in his second over, becoming the 10th Australian to accomplish a Test hat-trick.
With figures of 3-34 and 3-2 at Sabina Park during Australia’s Test win against the West Indies, Boland’s Test bowling average now stands at 16.53, the best of any bowler in the last 110 years of Test cricket (minimum 2000 balls bowled).