Mitchell Starc, one of Australia’s most feared fast bowlers, has created a new world record in Test cricket during the third Test match against the West Indies in July 2025.
Starc delivered a spell that shook the cricketing world. He picked up a five-wicket haul in just 15 balls, the fastest ever in the history of Test cricket.
This incredible performance came in his 100th Test match, adding even more value to the achievement. The West Indies were blown away for just 27 runs, their second-lowest score in Test history, as Starc led Australia to a dominant series sweep.
Fastest Five-Wicket Hauls in Test Cricket
| Rank | Bowler | Country | Balls to Fifer | Against | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mitchell Starc | Australia | 15 balls | West Indies | 2025 |
| 2 | Ernie Toshack | Australia | 19 balls | India | 1947 |
| 3 | Stuart Broad | England | 19 balls | Australia | 2015 |
| 4 | Scott Boland | Australia | 19 balls | England | 2021 |
Starc didn’t just break the record; he did it in style by taking three wickets in his first over and adding two more soon after. His fiery pace and movement left the West Indian batters clueless. However, Stuart Broad and Scott Boland can still be named for delivering amazing spells, as they came against a significantly better batting lineup than the West Indies had.
Starc’s Impact and Match Result
Starc’s spell wasn’t just about the record. His bowling helped Australia dismiss the West Indies for only 27 runs. That total became the second-lowest in Test cricket history. His final figures in the innings were 6 wickets for 9 runs, a stunning display of fast bowling under pressure.
It was a dream spell on a historic day for Starc as he also reached his 400th Test wicket, making him one of the few pacers in history to achieve that feat. With this performance, Australia completed a clean 3-0 series win.
Starc is one of the best pacers of all time in any format of cricket, but when you give him the pink ball, he becomes the best of all time, and he delivers the spell like that in his 100th test match.
Why This Record Matters
Test cricket is known for patience and strategy, but moments like this show its thrilling side. A five-wicket haul is always special, but getting it in just 15 balls is almost unheard of. Starc’s spell proves that fast bowling, when done right, can still completely dominate a match in minutes.
This record might stay untouched for a long time, considering the conditions and pressure under which Starc achieved it. It also brings him into the conversation as one of the greatest fast bowlers of this generation.
FAQs
Q: Who held the previous record for the fastest five-wicket haul in Tests?
A. Three bowlers were tied with the previous best of 19 balls: Ernie Toshack, Stuart Broad, and Scott Boland.
Q: How many Test wickets does Mitchell Starc have now?
A. After this match, Starc crossed the 400-wicket mark in Test cricket.
Q: What was the result of the match where Starc took the fastest fifer?
A. Australia bowled out the West Indies for 27 runs and won the match by 176 runs, sealing a 3-0 series whitewash.
