After being all-out for 27 in the second innings of the third Test of the three-match series against Australia, the West Indies fell to a record low in cricket history. Following defeats in the previous two games, the Roston Chase-led team was utterly unable to chase the 204 needed to finish their red-ball series on a high note.
The West Indies recorded their lowest Test score and the second-lowest innings total in the history of the game’s longest format when the pace-bowling three of Australia—Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Scott Boland—utterly destroyed the hosts at Kingston’s Sabina Park.
Team | Innings | Opposition | Venue | Year | Score |
New Zealand | 3 | England | Auckland | 1955 | 26 |
West Indies | 4 | Australia | Kingston | 2025 | 27 |
South Africa | 4 | England | Gqeberha | 1896 | 30 |
South Africa | 2 | England | Birmingham | 1924 | 30 |
South Africa | 4 | England | Cape Town | 1899 | 35 |
In reference to the Test’s fourth innings, the hosts’ innings lasted just 14.3 overs. Only Justin Greaves reached double figures with an 11 off 24. Up to seven players were unable to create an account at all. Six leg byes contributed to the team’s score of 27.
The highlight of the match was Mitchell Starc (6/9 in 7.3 overs). With just 15 deliveries, he achieved the fastest-ever five-wicket haul in Test cricket history, making history. At the end of the innings, Scott Boland added to the suffering. He replaced Nathan Lyon and finished with a hat-trick to give the West Indies a performance they would rather to forget.
In October, the West Indies will embark on a two-match visit of India for their upcoming Test series. It makes sense that in order to recover from what has just happened to them, their current system would need to be strengthened significantly. Delhi and Ahmedabad will host the two games.