Starc will 'cherish West Indies victory for a long time'

Australia stormed to a 176-run victory in the third Test to complete a series sweep, doing so in historic fashion in Kingston.

Indeed, West Indies were skittled out for just 27 runs in their final innings, the second-lowest Test score of all time.

The tourists were led by Starc, who took the fastest five-wicket haul in Test history (15 balls) on his way to his best match figures in the format (6-9).

Speaking after the conclusion of the match, Starc conceded that he did not like the attention going into his landmark 100th Test, but said it will remain in his memory forever.

"It's certainly been uncomfortable throughout the week," said Starc.

"I was happy just to have a win and sing the song. It's certainly been a special week to play, to wear the baggy green. It's been one I'll cherish for a long time.

"I think everyone today with the ball was pretty spot on. I don't think anyone thought it was going to happen that quickly. We were talking about almost consolidating the scoreboard until we got closer to that night session.

"It wasn't a plan to drag it out. [But] if things weren't happening straight away, we knew that things would happen quicker in the night session.

"[It was like] this is what we want to do at the start, but if it doesn't happen straight away, let's just chill out and stop the scoreboard and cash in at night. [We] Didn't need to."

3-0 Congratulations to our Australian Men's side on retaining the Frank Worrell Trophy and continuing their undefeated start to the 2025-2027 ICC World Test Championship cycle! pic.twitter.com/GPV1Dw6NGD

— Cricket Australia (@CricketAus) July 15, 2025

Starc has now taken 20 wickets across his last four Test matches, going back to the World Test Championship final, at an average of 16.45.

The fast bowler, who has now taken 402 wickets in the longest format, feels he is in good rhythm now.

"I felt like my rhythm has been pretty good for a while now," Starc said.

"Even coming into the lead up to Lord's, I felt like everything was clicking into place. It's been nice to have that carry on throughout the series.

"Today, again, just felt like everything was in sync and got some late swing. I think perhaps the breeze might have helped in the fact that I wasn't under lights."

The best figures by a bowler playing in their 100th Test Mitchell Starc and Australia stun the West Indies https://t.co/Gvv36lMTKo#WTC27 #WIvAUS pic.twitter.com/rrXUGoaRUB

— ICC (@ICC) July 15, 2025

It was also a special night for Scott Boland, who became the first player since Peter Siddle in 2010 to take a hat-trick for Australia.

Boland removed Justing Greaves (11), Shamar Joseph (0) and Jomel Warrican (0) in the penultimate over, much to the delight of Starc and captain Pat Cummins.

Starc said: "He's amazing, isn't he? He would have played so many more Test matches in another team.

"But every time he comes in, he's on the money, like we saw this week, a hat-trick. He is never far from the perfect length as soon as he comes in.

"He's preparing all the time to play and this week he got his opportunity and showed what a wonderful Test bowler he is."

Cummins added on Boland: "That was three classic Scotty Boland wickets. All right, at the stumps or not far away. Really happy for him.