Mitchell Starc, one of Australia’s most fearsome pacers, once again etched his name into the annals of Test cricket history. In a stunning display of raw pace and precision, Starc led the charge as the West Indies cricket team crumbled to one of the lowest scores in Test cricket during the recent AUS vs WI Test series. Fans around the world, from Cricinfo forums to social media threads, are still reeling from the unforgettable scenes.
Mitchell Starc: The Left-Arm Menace
Starc has long been known for his ability to swing the ball at terrifying speed. With over a decade in international cricket, he has been a match-winner for Australia in all formats. But this particular performance in the WI vs AUS clash might just rank among his best Test outings.
From the very first over, Starc showed his intent. Bowling with sheer aggression and movement off the seam, he removed opener Tagenarine Chanderpaul with a searing yorker. What followed was a complete demolition.
West Indies Collapse: One of the Lowest Test Scores Ever
On a green-top pitch in Perth, Starc’s spell combined with relentless pressure from the rest of the Australian pace attack to bowl out the West Indies for a shocking 32 runs, making it one of the lowest totals in Test match history. it’s now the lowest Test score recorded by a West Indies side against Australia.
This also goes down as the lowest score in Test history in the last decade, raising serious questions about the current form and mindset of the Caribbean outfit. To put things in perspective, even tailenders struggled to make contact with the ball, as Starc finished with jaw-dropping figures of 6/8 in just 7 overs.
Justin Greaves: Lone Warrior in a Sinking Ship
One of the only players who showed some resistance was Justin Greaves, who scored a gritty 13 before falling to a Pat Cummins bouncer. While Greaves has shown potential in white-ball formats, this outing was a tough initiation into the harsh world of Test cricket.
Yet, his composure and footwork were a silver lining for an otherwise forgettable day for the Windies. “We’ve got to take this on the chin and bounce back,” said Greaves in a post-match interview, acknowledging the uphill task ahead for his team.
Australian Men’s Cricket Team Dominate Once Again
This wasn’t just a Starc show. The Australian men’s cricket team displayed a perfect blend of skill and ruthlessness. Skipper Pat Cummins rotated his bowlers intelligently, while Nathan Lyon chipped in with a couple of scalps to clean up the tail.
Australia’s dominance extended to the batting department too. In response to West Indies’ 32, Australia posted a mammoth 456, thanks to centuries from Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith. The match scorecard on a completely one-sided affair.
Records Tumble: Test Cricket Shocked
This match is now part of Test history, not only for Mitchell Starc’s heroics but also because of the infamous West Indian record. Here are some records that tumbled:
- West Indies’ 32 is now the lowest score in Test cricket for them since 1904.
- It’s the lowest test score ever recorded at the Optus Stadium.
- Starc now has five 5-wicket hauls against West Indies in just 6 matches.
Reactions from Around the World
The cricketing world was abuzz. Former cricketers took to Twitter and Instagram to applaud Starc’s brilliance. “Vintage Starc – unplayable when he gets it right,” wrote former Aussie skipper Ricky Ponting. Meanwhile, Caribbean legends like Curtly Ambrose and Brian Lara voiced concerns over the direction the West Indies cricket team is headed.
What’s Next?
With the AUS vs WI Test series still underway, the West Indies will need to regroup quickly. The second Test in Adelaide could either be a shot at redemption or another painful chapter in their cricketing decline.
Australia, on the other hand, look like a well-oiled machine heading into the summer. With the Ashes not far away and the ICC World Test Championship final in sight, the form of Mitchell Starc and his bowling comrades couldn’t have come at a better time.
Final Thoughts
In a match filled with drama, records, and a stark reminder of the gulf in quality, Mitchell Starc emerged as the undisputed star. While the West Indies suffered one of their darkest days in Test cricket, fans can only hope this serves as a wake-up call. For now, the headlines belong to Starc and rightly so.