Cricket, often lauded for its unpredictable drama, occasionally delivers moments that defy belief, etching themselves into the sport`s indelible ledger. One such moment unfolded recently at Sabina Park, Jamaica, where the Australian bowling attack orchestrated a demolition of the West Indies batting line-up, bowling them out for a mere 27 runs. This stunning performance not only secured a resounding 176-run victory and a 3-0 series clean sweep for Australia but also carved out a unique, albeit unenviable, place in Test cricket history as the second-lowest total ever recorded.
The Gathering Storm: Day Three`s Unfolding Nightmare
The third day of the pink-ball Test began with Australia`s second innings wrapping up for 121, setting West Indies a target of 204. While the pitch had shown its unpredictable nature throughout the match, no spectator, nor player, could have anticipated the dramatic capitulation that was about to unfold. It was a chase that never truly began, transformed instead into a clinic on high-velocity, precision bowling.
Mitchell Starc`s Savage Onslaught
The architect of this unparalleled collapse was none other than the formidable Mitchell Starc. Playing in his 100th Test match, a milestone typically celebrated with cautious reverence, Starc chose instead to mark it with an exhibition of raw pace and devastating swing. With the very first ball of the West Indies innings, he struck, setting a grim precedent. What followed was a blur of wickets, as John Campbell, Kevlon Anderson, and Brandon King all succumbed in Starc`s opening over, their bats seemingly no match for his late, venomous swing.
His third over brought further calamity for the hosts. Trapping Mikyle Louis in front, Starc not only dismissed him but also reached a significant personal landmark: 400 Test wickets, becoming only the fourth Australian to achieve this feat. Two balls later, Shai Hope joined the procession, undone by yet another sharp inswinger. Starc`s mastery with the pink ball was absolute – fast, relentless, and leaving batsmen with precious little room for error. His initial spell was a breathtaking display of controlled aggression, quickly reducing West Indies to a state of disarray.
Boland`s Hat-Trick: The Final Nail
With West Indies teetering at 11 for 6, Josh Hazlewood briefly joined the fray, removing Roston Chase, but the true coup de grâce was reserved for Scott Boland. After a brief reprieve that saw Justin Greaves, the sole West Indian batter to reach double digits, eke out a few runs with Alzarri Joseph, the post-tea session belonged entirely to Boland. In a dramatic three-ball sequence, he cemented his place in history.
- First, Greaves edged a delivery to the slips.
- Next, Shamar Joseph was trapped LBW after a successful Australian review.
- Finally, Jomel Warrican was clean bowled by a ball that nipped in sharply, hitting the top of off stump.
It was Boland`s first Test hat-trick, and only the tenth by an Australian in the entire history of Test cricket – a testament to his precision and the immense pressure the Australian attack was exerting. The West Indies innings, a mere 14.3 overs and just over an hour in duration, was effectively over.
The Scrutiny of the Scoreboard: 27 Runs
The final tally of 27 runs stands as a stark reminder of the sheer dominance witnessed. A solitary misfield was the only reason West Indies avoided equalling New Zealand`s all-time lowest Test total of 26. Starc, returning to deliver the final blow, dismissed Jayden Seales, finishing with extraordinary figures of 6 for 9 in 7.3 overs. Boland, with his hat-trick, ended with 3 for 2. For the statistical purists, it was a goldmine of rare occurrences; for West Indies, a painful entry into the record books.
It`s an interesting footnote that earlier in the day, the West Indies` own bowlers, particularly Alzarri Joseph (5 for 27) and Shamar Joseph, had shown considerable fight, collectively taking nine wickets to restrict Australia to 121 in their second innings. This contrast only amplified the shock of their subsequent batting collapse – a testament to cricket`s capricious nature, where fortunes can swing wildly within a few hours.
A Legacy Etched in Numbers and Memory
This match will undoubtedly be dissected, debated, and remembered for generations. It wasn`t merely a victory; it was a profound demonstration of bowling prowess against a batting line-up that, on this particular day, found itself utterly devoid of answers. For Mitchell Starc, it was a crowning moment, solidifying his legacy as one of the game`s most destructive fast bowlers. For Scott Boland, it was a spectacular entry into an exclusive club. And for Test cricket itself, it was a dramatic, albeit one-sided, reminder of its capacity for the extraordinary, leaving an indelible mark on its storied history. One might suggest the West Indies batters will be in no hurry to revisit the highlights reel for this particular fixture.
