West Indies Collapse to Second-Lowest Total in Test Cricket History

West Indies suffered one of the darkest days in their Test cricket history on Monday, collapsing for just 27 runs in their second innings against Australia in the third Test at Sabina Park, Jamaica. It was the second-lowest total ever recorded in Test cricket, behind only New Zealand’s infamous 26 against England way back in 1955.

Chasing 205 for victory under the lights, the hosts folded in just 14.3 overs. What was shaping up to be a competitive match turned into a one-sided demolition, ending with Australia wrapping up a 176-run win in no time. It was also the lowest score ever in a day-night Test. 

Mitchell Starc, playing in his milestone 100th Test, was at his destructive best. He tore through the West Indies top-order with a fiery opening spell and ended with six wickets, reaching the landmark of 400 career Test wickets in the process. To add more misery for the West Indies, Scott Boland chipped in with a hat-trick—only the 10th by an Australian in Test history—as the batting lineup fell apart without offering much resistance. 

What made the collapse even more astonishing was the fact that not a single batter from either side managed a half-century throughout the match. That’s only the seventh time this has happened in Test cricket since 1900, and just the third since 1981. 

After the match, an understandably disheartened Roston Chase, who had stood in as captain in the absence of Kraigg Brathwaite, didn’t mince words. “It’s disappointing,” he admitted. “We’ve been putting ourselves in positions to win games, and then we just lay down and don’t put up a fight in the last batting innings.” Chase didn’t blame the pitch, even though it offered plenty of movement for the seamers. “Obviously being bowled out for less than 30 is quite embarrassing,” he said. “The target was definitely achievable. We just didn’t apply ourselves.” 

West Indies have shown glimpses of fight throughout the series, often competing well for stretches of time, but their inability to string together a complete performance has cost them dearly. 

Here’s a quick look at the five lowest team totals in Test history: 

1. New Zealand – 26 vs England, 1955 
2. West Indies – 27 vs Australia, 2025 
3. South Africa – 30 vs England, 1896 
4. South Africa – 30 vs England, 1924 
5. South Africa – 35 vs England, 1899 

Also Read: Mitchell Starc Creates History with Fastest Five-Wicket Haul in Test Cricket