Mitchell Starc Reflects on ‘Uncomfortable’ Yet Unforgettable 100th Test After Historic Feats in Jamaica

Mitchell Starc admitted he felt “uncomfortable” with all the attention during his 100th Test, but the Australian pace spearhead couldn’t have asked for a more fitting celebration. With a devastating display of fast bowling, Starc etched his name deeper into cricketing history, claiming his 400th Test wicket, a triple-wicket opening over, and the fastest five-wicket haul in Test history.

Australia sealed a 176-run win over West Indies in Kingston on day three of the third Test, taking the series 3-0 in emphatic fashion. Starc, playing with the pink ball he’s come to dominate, returned career-best figures of 6 for 9, leaving West Indies reeling at 27 all out, their second-lowest total in Tests.

“It’s certainly been uncomfortable throughout the week,” Starc said after the win. “I was happy just to have a win and sing the song. It’s been one I’ll cherish for a long time.”

A Week to Remember

Starc downplayed the build-up to his milestone match, preferring to focus on the cricket, but fate had other plans. The left-armer tore through the West Indies top order in a searing first over: John Campbell, Kevlon Anderson, and Brandon King were all dismissed in a devastating burst that left the hosts 0 for 3 — only the sixth time in Test history that’s happened.

Two overs later, he pinned Mikyle Louis lbw for his 400th wicket, becoming the fourth Australian to reach the milestone after Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath, and Nathan Lyon.

By the time Starc claimed Shai Hope to complete his five-for in just 15 deliveries, he had broken the previous record for the fastest five-wicket haul in a Test innings. Only one of his six dismissals needed a fielder.

“It was like he was writing his own highlight reel,” said Australia captain Pat Cummins. “He can tear a game open in a couple of overs. That’s the Starcy I’ll always remember.”

From Nervous Nights to Pink-Ball Perfection

Starc said the most special moment came even before the match began. On the eve of the Test, he was gifted signed shirts, a bottle of Jamaican rum, and a video of heartfelt messages from friends, family, and teammates — including players from his beloved AFL team, the GWS Giants.

But any sentimentality was cast aside once the game began. Despite Australia collapsing under lights in their second innings for just 121, setting a modest 204-run target, Starc and Scott Boland turned the match on its head.

Boland followed Starc’s opening spell with a sensational hat-trick, dismissing Justin Greaves, Shamar Joseph, and Jomel Warrican to leave West Indies on the brink of a record-low total. They narrowly avoided matching New Zealand’s infamous 26, only due to a misfield that gifted them a 27th run before Starc ended the innings.

“It probably wasn’t a plan to finish it that quickly,” Starc reflected. “We were ready to take it deep, especially under lights, but we didn’t need to.”

A Champion’s Run

Starc now has 20 wickets at 16.45 over his last four Tests, starting with the World Test Championship final. His latest effort improved on his previous best — also achieved under lights against India in Adelaide.

He credited consistent rhythm and perhaps even the Kingston breeze for his swing and control, adding, “Today, again, everything just felt in sync.”

Starc’s pink-ball record now stands at 81 wickets at 17.08 — the best in day-night Test history. Once a critic of the format, he now admits it has its place.

“It’s good for my record,” he said with a grin.

What’s Next

As Australia celebrated their clean sweep of the series, led by Starc and Cummins lifting the trophy, there was little doubt whose performance had defined the match — and the series.

Despite his discomfort with the spotlight, Mitchell Starc’s 100th Test will be remembered as one of the greatest personal milestones in Australian cricket history — a match of pace, poise, and perfection.