Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland Dominate as Australia Sweeps Series

Australia's cricket team secured a comprehensive 176-run victory against the West Indies at Sabina Park, marking one of the most dramatic finishes in Test cricket history. The West Indies team was dismissed for a mere 27 runs, registering the second-lowest total in Test match history.

The West Indies innings fell apart spectacularly on the third day while chasing a target of 204 runs. This collapse began when Australian paceman Mitchell Starc took the first wicket with his very first delivery of the innings. Starc, playing his 100th Test match, quickly dismantled the West Indies top order by sending John Campbell, Kevlon Anderson, and Brandon King back to the pavilion—all within the same over.

Following this initial onslaught, Starc struck again in his third over, trapping Mikyle Louis lbw and subsequently dismissing Shai Hope, achieving his milestone of 400 Test wickets in the process. This made him only the fourth Australian bowler to reach this impressive figure.

As the West Indies slumped to 11 runs for 6 wickets, Australian bowler Josh Hazlewood joined the fray, claiming Roston Chase’s wicket. The only silver lining for the West Indies came from Justin Greaves, who managed to surpass the double-digit mark alongside Alzarri Joseph, bear with the onslaught briefly until the tea break.

Post-tea, Scott Boland took centre stage, adding to the devastation with a remarkable hat-trick. In just three deliveries, he removed Greaves, trapped Shamar Joseph lbw after a successful review, and dismissed Jomel Warrican clean bowled, marking his first Test hat-trick and joining a rare group of Australian cricketers to achieve this feat.

Despite one run saved from a misfield, the West Indian score was shockingly close to matching New Zealand's all-time low of 26 runs. Starc returned to the attack, wrapping up the innings by bowling Jayden Seales, finishing with outstanding bowling figures of 6 wickets for just 9 runs in 7.3 overs. The West Indies innings lasted a mere 14.3 overs.

Earlier in the day, Australia began their second innings well-positioned at 99 runs for 6 wickets, holding a lead of 181 runs. Cameron Green, who was at the crease with 42 runs, was quickly dismissed on the first ball of the day by Shamar Joseph. Alzarri Joseph then sealed the Australian innings, chalking up five wickets and ensuring Australia was all out for 121 runs.

The final scorecard indicated a strong performance by Australia, with the team scoring 225 and 121, while the West Indies managed 143 and 27. The match highlighted Australia’s bowling depth and tactical superiority, culminating in a clean sweep of the three-match series.

Among the standout performers, Mitchell Starc’s incredible bowling average was a central theme of the match, demonstrating the power of swing bowling with the pink ball in Test cricket. Australia’s series victory further cements their status as a dominant force in international cricket, showcasing a formidable bowling attack.

This match serves as a wake-up call for the West Indies, emphasising the need for improvement in their batting lineup as they continue to struggle in the longer format of the game. The stark contrast between the two teams underscores the challenges the West Indies face as they aim to reinvigorate their cricketing legacy on the world stage.