In one of the most devastating spells of fast bowling in Test cricket history, Mitchell Starc tore through the West Indies batting lineup, finishing with 6 wickets for just 9 runs in 7.3 overs, leading to a jaw-dropping collapse.
The West Indies were bowled out for 27 runs in just 14.3 overs, marking their lowest-ever total in Test history and one of the lowest in the modern era. The collapse sparked a global discussion: Is Mitchell Starc the greatest bowler of this century?
Let’s dive into the drama, destruction, and debate.
📜 Match Context: 3rd Test, Kingston, July 2025
- Venue: Sabina Park, Kingston
- Occasion: 3rd Test, Day 3
- Australia 1st innings: 225 all out
- West Indies 1st innings: 143 all out
- Australia 2nd innings: 204 all out
- Target for WI: 204
- West Indies 2nd innings: 27 all out
- Result: Australia won by 176 runs
This match was expected to be a competitive decider, but it turned into a historic humiliation for the hosts, thanks entirely to Mitchell Starc’s ferocious spell.
🔥 Starc’s Magical Spell – Breakdown
Here’s how Starc ripped through the West Indies batting order:
| Batter | Dismissal | Bowler | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| John Campbell | Caught by JP Inglis | Starc | 0 (1) |
| Mikyle Louis | LBW | Starc | 4 (10) |
| Kevlon Anderson | LBW | Starc | 0 (4) |
| Brandon King | Bowled | Starc | 0 (1) |
| Shai Hope | LBW | Starc | 2 (2) |
| Jayden Seales | Bowled | Starc | 0 (4) |
Total: 6 wickets for 9 runs in 7.3 overs, including 4 maidens.
Economy: 1.20, Strike Rate: 7.5. One of the best ever in Test history.
🧠 Tactical Brilliance
Starc didn’t rely on mystery or spin — his spell was pure fast bowling mastery:
- Late swing at high pace
- Perfect length
- Targeting stumps relentlessly
- Exploiting West Indies’ fragile technique
He broke the spirit of the West Indies within six overs, before Boland and Hazlewood mopped up the rest.
📉 West Indies’ Batting Collapse – All Time Low
This 27-run collapse is now:
- Their lowest-ever Test score (Previous: 47 vs England, 2004)
- 6th lowest Test total in history
- Lowest team total in 21st century
- All 10 wickets fell for just 27 runs in 14.3 overs
West Indies’ batters had no answers. The top 6 contributed 6 runs total.
🧾 The Scorecard – West Indies 2nd Innings
| Batsman | Runs | Balls | Dismissal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Campbell | 0 | 1 | c †Inglis b Starc |
| Louis | 4 | 10 | lbw b Starc |
| Anderson | 0 | 4 | lbw b Starc |
| King | 0 | 1 | b Starc |
| Chase (c) | 0 | 11 | c †Inglis b Hazlewood |
| Hope | 2 | 2 | lbw b Starc |
| Greaves | 11 | 24 | c Webster b Boland |
| Joseph | 4* | 28 | not out |
| S. Joseph | 0 | 1 | lbw b Boland |
| Warrican | 0 | 1 | b Boland |
| Seales | 0 | 4 | b Starc |
📊 Comparison with Other Great Spells
| Bowler | Figures | Opponent | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jim Laker | 10/53 | AUS | 1956 |
| Anil Kumble | 10/74 | PAK | 1999 |
| Stuart Broad | 8/15 | AUS | 2015 |
| Vernon Philander | 6/10 | NZ | 2013 |
| Mitchell Starc | 6/9 | WI | 2025 |
Among these, Starc’s spell is the most destructive under pressure, with a relatively small target and the match hanging in balance.
🧮 Starc’s Career in Numbers
- Matches: 90 Tests
- Wickets: 387+
- Average: ~26.3
- Strike Rate: Among top 5 all-time (min. 300 wickets)
- 5-Wicket Hauls: 19
- 10-Wicket Matches: 4
He’s also the only bowler in history with 3+ five-wicket hauls in all formats (Tests, ODIs, T20Is).
👑 Is He the Greatest of the Century?
Let’s compare with some contemporaries:
| Bowler | Wickets | Avg | SR | 5WI |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anderson | 700+ | 26.5 | 56 | 32 |
| Broad | 604 | 27.6 | 55 | 20 |
| Steyn | 439 | 22.9 | 42 | 26 |
| Bumrah | 150+ | 20.5 | 45 | 10 |
| Starc | 387+ | 26.3 | ~48 | 19 |
✅ Pros:
- Strike rate specialist
- Big-match player
- Dominant in all formats
- Left-arm x-factor
❌ Critics Say:
- Inconsistent spells
- Injury-prone
- Fewer wickets than Anderson or Broad
Yet, in terms of impact, intimidation, and game-turning spells, Starc may already be top 3 — if not #1 — in 21st-century fast bowling.
💬 Reactions from Around the World
- Pat Cummins (AUS captain):
“That was just ruthless. I’ve seen Starcy bowl magic before, but this was something else.”
- Ricky Ponting:
“He’s the most explosive left-arm pacer of this era. That’s not even up for debate.”
- Brian Lara (on commentary):
“I’ve seen West Indies struggle, but this was devastating. Starc tore through them like paper.”
🗣️ Fan Reactions
@CricketAustralia:
“Mitchell Starc. Six for Nine. The Terminator.”
@CricFan_WI:
“Devastated. This batting collapse hurt. But credit where due – Starc was unplayable.”
@TheAnalyst:
“Forget Anderson. Forget Steyn. Starc’s demolition jobs win Tests in sessions.”
🔥 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Is this West Indies’ lowest Test score ever?
✅ Yes. Previous low: 47 vs England (2004). This 27 all out sets a new record.Q2: What is Mitchell Starc’s best bowling figure?
🟩 6/9 in this match is now his personal best in Tests.Q3: Has anyone ever bowled better figures at Kingston?
🟥 No. This is now the best Test figure ever recorded at Sabina Park.Q4: Will Starc play the 4th Test?
✅ Yes. He’s fully fit and firing.Q5: How many bowlers have 6-fers under 10 runs in Tests?
🟨 Only a handful, including Michael Holding, Andy Roberts, and now Mitchell Starc.🎯 Final Thoughts – Greatness Confirmed?
Mitchell Starc may never be the most consistent bowler, but in terms of match-turning ability, raw pace, and momentum shifting, he’s arguably unmatched in modern cricket.
This 6/9 spell will be remembered for decades — not just for the numbers, but the brutality, the precision, and the legacy it cements.
Is he the greatest bowler of this century?
If not, who is?
Let the debate begin. 🏆