Starc and Boland Devastate West Indies as Team Collapses to 27 at Sabina Park

West Indies suffered a historic collapse on the third day at Sabina Park, being bowled out for just 27 runs—the second-lowest total in Test cricket history. This dramatic batting failure handed Australia a commanding 176-run victory, completing a 3-0 series sweep. The afternoon session witnessed an extraordinary display of swing and seam bowling, with Mitchell Starc achieving the fastest five-wicket haul in just 15 balls and Scott Boland claiming a sensational hat-trick.

West Indies’ Batting Collapse Triggered by Starc’s Early Strikes

Chasing 204 runs in challenging Jeetbuzz conditions, West Indies never managed to settle. Starc, marking his 100th Test, struck with the very first ball, dismissing John Campbell and igniting a batting collapse. In the same over, he removed Kevlon Anderson and Brandon King with deliveries that swung late and exploited the gap between bat and pad. At 0 for 3, the hosts were under immense pressure.

Starc Reaches Milestone and Continues to Dominate

In his third over, Starc trapped Mikyle Louis lbw to reach 400 Test wickets, becoming only the fourth Australian bowler to reach this milestone. Two balls later, he dismissed Shai Hope with a sharp inswinger, showcasing his Jeetwin mastery with the pink ball by maintaining pace and late movement that left the batsmen struggling.

Hazlewood Joins the Attack as Collapse Deepens

Josh Hazlewood contributed to the West Indies’ downfall by taking key wickets including that of captain Roston Chase, leaving the team reeling at 11 for 6. Justin Greaves was the lone batsman to reach double digits, managing to survive alongside Alzarri Joseph until Tea.

Boland’s Hat-Trick Seals West Indies’ Fate

After the Tea break, Scott Boland took centre stage. In a remarkable three-ball spell, he dismissed Justin Greaves with a caught edge, trapped Shamar Joseph lbw after a successful review, and bowled Jomel Warrican with a delivery that nipped in to strike the top of off stump. This was Boland’s maiden Test hat-trick and only the 10th in Australian Test history.

Near-Record Low Score Avoided by a Misfield

West Indies narrowly avoided matching New Zealand’s record lowest Test total of 26 thanks to a single run from a misfield at gully. Starc returned to bowl out Jayden Seales and finished with exceptional figures of 6 for 9 in just 7.3 overs. The entire innings lasted only 14.3 overs, barely lasting over an hour.

Earlier Session: Australia’s Tail Falls Quickly

Earlier in the day, Australia’s innings looked vulnerable at 99 for 6 in their second innings, with Cameron Green still at the crease on 42. However, Shamar Joseph quickly removed Green with a well-directed delivery that hit the top of off stump. Alzarri Joseph then bowled superbly, claiming 5 for 27 and, together with Shamar Joseph, accounted for nine wickets as Australia were all out for 121.