Mitchell Starc Hails ‘Unreal’ Week After Dominant Display in 100th Test

Starc Hails ‘Special Week’ After Record-Breaking Spell in 100th Test

Australian pacer claims fastest five-for in Test history as West Indies collapse to 27 Mitchell Starc celebrated his 100th Test in sensational fashion, producing a record-breaking spell that dismantled the West Indies and sealed Australia’s 3-0 series sweep in Kingston. The left-arm quick took 6 for 9 in just over five overs on Monday — the fastest five-wicket haul in Test history — as the hosts were skittled for just 27 in their second innings.

Starc’s devastating burst included a triple-wicket over and his 400th Test wicket, all in what he described as a week to remember.

“It’s been a special week — one I’ll cherish for a long time,” Starc said after the win. “Just wearing the Baggy Green in my 100th, getting a win, and singing the team song — that’s enough for me.”

The 34-year-old, who has a long-standing reputation for delivering match-defining spells, added another iconic performance to his resume. His latest effort evoked memories of his 6 for 48 against India in the day-night Test at Adelaide, though this time it came under daylight conditions.

Starc revealed that the plan had not been to rush the final innings but rather to wait for assistance under lights if needed. “If things weren’t happening straight away, we knew they would under lights — but we didn’t need to,” he said. “The rhythm was good, the breeze helped, and I got some late swing. Everything just clicked.”

The fast bowler has now taken 20 wickets at 16.45 across his last four Tests, stretching back to the World Test Championship final — a run of form that underlines his enduring value to the side.

His efforts were complemented by Scott Boland, who claimed a hat-trick in the same innings. So dominant was the pace duo that captain Pat Cummins wasn’t required to bowl — only the second time in a completed innings he has been unused while fit.

“That was my favourite part,” Cummins laughed post-match. “Starcy just does what he always does — tears the game open in a couple of overs. He’s a match-winner in any format.”

The result capped a dominant tour for Australia, with Starc’s performance providing the perfect finish. Once sceptical of day-night Tests, he now holds the most wickets in the format’s history — 81 at 17.08.

“It’s good for my record,” Starc joked, flashing a grin — a fitting end to a week he, and Australian cricket, won’t soon forget.