West Indies slumped to the lowest point in their Test match history when they were bowled out for just 27 runs against Australia at Sabina Park today.
The score was the lowest in the 97-year history of West Indies Test cricket which handed Australia a huge victory by 176 runs in the second session on the third day of the historic day/night match.
The previous low was 47 against England in 2004, also at Sabina Park, as they narrowly avoided the lowest score in the history of all Test cricket – 26 made by New Zealand in 1955. It was a meek surrender after their bowlers put in a tremendous performance to dismiss the visitors earlier in the day.
Only one West Indian reached double figures, Justin Greaves who made 11. Mitchell Starc was the best bowler with 6-9 off 7.3 overs – his five-wicket haul came from 12 balls – the fastest in Test history. In the process the left-arm pace legend took his 400th Test wicket in his 100th Test match. He took home the Man-of-the-Match award and the Player-of-the-Series trophy.
Scott Boland was also sensational with a hattrick and he had figures of 3-2.
“It’s heartbreaking to be in such a position, where we could have been in apposition to win the match and then to bat so badly. That’s what makes it more disappointing. The bowler kept us in the series and the batting never showed up,” skipper Roston Chase said.
Australia captain Pat Cummins said: “This match was madness! Today seemed to be played in fast-forward. It was a good contest and we’re happy with the win. This series was as tough as it gets (for batters). So, I was pleased with the bowlers and the overall team effort.”
The win gave Australia a 3-0 series result. They won the previous two matches in Barbados and Grenada to retain the Frank Worrell trophy. (PS)
