Starc became the first bowler to take a five-for in 15 balls

🔥 Mitchell Starc’s Unforgettable Spell in Kingston

Yesterday in Kingston (July 14, 2025), during the third Test against the West Indies, Mitchell Starc produced a spell for the ages—claiming 6 wickets for just 9 runs, including the fastest-ever five-wicket haul in Test cricket history, achieved in merely 15 balls.

🌪️ The Spell That Stunned

Starc began with an astonishing 3 wickets in his first over, followed by two more in his second and sixth—all before a single run was conceded. His first five wickets were captured within his first 15 deliveries of the innings .
This performance marked a hat-trick of milestones: his 100th Test match, 400th Test wicket, and the cheapest five-wicket haul in Test history, equating Ernie Toshack’s record.

📉 A Collapse of Epic Proportions

West Indies were bowled out for just 27 runs, their second-lowest Test total ever.
Starc’s spell triggered a team collapse: seven of their batsmen were dismissed for ducks, and the entire innings lasted a mere 14.3 overs, the third-shortest in Test history.

👏 Boland’s Supporting Act

Rear-guard Boland complemented Starc brilliantly, snagging a hat-trick and finishing with 3 for 2.
His burst followed Starc’s and sealed a historic bowling annihilation.

🎯 Match Outcome & Records

Australia sealed a 176-run victory, completing a 3–0 series sweep.
Starc was rightfully named Player of the Match and Series.
The match featured no centuries from either side—the second time in Test history that a multi-match series (>12 innings) produced zero hundreds.

Why This Spell Matters

Historic Pace – Five wickets in 15 balls is historic; no one has achieved it faster in the 150-year history of Test cricket .
Career Milestones – His 100th Test and 400th wicket came bundled with the swift fifer, making it a day to remember.
Team Impact – At 35, Starc proved he’s still a match-winner, dismantling the opposition’s top order when it mattered most.
Record Collapses – Contributing to the second-lowest Test innings ever (27 all out) cements this as one of the most dominant bowling displays in history .

🧠 The Art Behind the Spell

Swing Mastery: Starc exploited the pink Dukes ball and afternoon conditions in Kingston to extract early movement—swinging it both ways.
Tactical Precision: He targeted top-order batsmen, striking in clusters to create pressure. His lines were on-point, mixing Yorkers and fuller lengths.
Momentum Shift: From first over to finishing blows, he denied West Indies any breathing room, creating a cascading collapse.

Final Takeaway

Mitchell Starc’s blazing spell in Kingston wasn’t merely about the stats—it was script-worthy drama. A masterful blend of skill, timing, and occasion, it reminds us why he’s among the greats. And with such breathtaking form, the upcoming Ashes series looks even more tantalizing.

https://clevercurrents.com/india/