Mitchell Starc etched his name into cricketing history with an extraordinary performance that stunned the world. In the third Test against the West Indies in Kingston, the Australian left-arm pacer delivered the fastest-ever five-wicket haul in Test cricket, taking 6 wickets for just 9 runs in a span of only 15 balls. This remarkable spell not only decimated the West Indies batting lineup but also led Australia to a commanding 176-run victory and a 3–0 series whitewash.
Starc’s spell began with electric intensity and control. With the very first ball of the West Indies innings, he struck—removing opener John Campbell. He followed it up with the wickets of Kevlon Anderson and Brandon King in the same over, completing a sensational three-wicket burst to set the tone for what was to come. By the time he reached his fifth wicket—faster than any bowler in Test history—Starc had carved out a new benchmark for pace and precision.
Achieving a five-wicket haul in just 15 deliveries broke the previous record of 19 balls, a feat jointly held by legends like Stuart Broad and Scott Boland. Starc’s spell was not just quick but devastatingly effective, combining swing, pace, and deadly accuracy. He exploited a slightly helpful surface with unerring discipline, turning the ball both ways and making life miserable for the West Indies batters.
The significance of this performance was heightened by the context. This was Starc’s 100th Test—a rare milestone for any fast bowler—and he marked the occasion in the most emphatic manner possible. Taking his 400th Test wicket during the spell added another feather to an already illustrious cap. His figures of 6 for 9 are among the most economical and lethal in modern Test history.
The West Indies, chasing an improbable target, were bowled out for just 27 runs—their second-lowest total in Test history and the seventh-lowest of all time in the format. The entire innings lasted only 14.3 overs, with Starc doing most of the damage. His opening spell not only blew the top off the batting order but also shattered any hopes of a fightback.
Following Starc’s dominance, Scott Boland added his name to the records with a rare Test hat-trick, further underlining Australia’s total dominance on the day. But the headlines and the legacy belonged to Starc. His teammates, led by captain Pat Cummins, lauded his effort as one of the greatest ever seen in Australian colours.
What made Starc’s performance even more memorable was its sudden, destructive nature. Cricket often sees momentum build over time, but Starc’s impact was instantaneous—a reminder of how one spell can redefine an entire match. In just over two overs, he didn’t just end an innings; he ended a contest, rewrote record books, and reinforced his status as one of the modern greats of fast bowling.
Mitchell Starc’s fiery 15-ball five-for will live on as one of Test cricket’s most electrifying displays—an example of raw pace, clinical execution, and a once-in-a-generation performance that will be remembered for decades.