Jamaica, July 15, 2025: Australia bowled out the West Indies for just 27 runs – the second-lowest total in Test history and the lowest in 70 years – to seal a 176-run victory and a 3-0 series whitewash in the day-night Test at Sabina Park, Jamaica.
The West Indies collapse, which unfolded on the third day, fell just one run short of New Zealand’s infamous 26 all out against England in 1955. It now ranks as the lowest Test total since then, and West Indies’ worst ever, surpassing the 47 they managed against England in 2004.
The historic rout was spearheaded by Mitchell Starc, who marked his 100th Test appearance in sensational style by claiming 6 wickets for just 9 runs, including five wickets in the space of 15 balls – the fastest five-wicket haul in Test cricket history. The 35-year-old left-armer also surpassed 400 career Test wickets, becoming just the fourth Australian to achieve the feat after Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath, and Nathan Lyon.
Starc struck with the very first ball of the innings, dismissing John Campbell, and followed it up by removing Kevlon Anderson and Brandon King in the same over – all three without scoring. His third over saw the back of Mikyle Louis (4) and Shai Hope (2), leaving the hosts reeling at 7 for 5 in just 4.3 overs.
Pacer Josh Hazlewood chipped in by dismissing West Indies captain Roston Chase for a duck, before Scott Boland delivered a hat-trick in the 13th over, removing Justin Greaves (top-scorer with 11), Shamar Joseph, and Jomel Warrican.
A misfield allowed a single to take the total to 26 before Starc ended the innings by bowling Jayden Seales, clinching his 402nd Test wicket and underlining his dominance with the pink ball.
“It’s been a fantastic series,” Starc said afterward. “Difficult batting conditions at times, but our bowling unit has been right on the money. I’m proud to reach 400 wickets – it’s a great personal milestone and even more special in a team win like this.”
Earlier in the day, Australia resumed on 99-6 and were bowled out for 121, with Alzarri Joseph starring for the hosts with 5-27. The West Indies required 204 to win, but their hopes evaporated in less than 90 minutes of batting chaos.
A dejected Roston Chase admitted:
“It’s heartbreaking to come so close and then fall apart like that. This has been a recurring theme throughout the series, which makes it all the more disappointing.”
The two sides will now shift focus to a five-match T20I series, beginning July 21 in Jamaica.
