Fastest five-for in men’s Tests (Top 3)

Mitchell Starc broke the record for the fastest five-for in Test cricket history during the third Test between West Indies and Australia at Sabina Park. On this note, let’s take a look at three of the fastest five-for in men’s Tests.

3. 21 balls – Shane Watson

Australian seam-bowling all-rounder Shane Watson needed just 21 balls to bag a five-for at Newlands, Cape Town, against South Africa in the first Test of a two-match series. Watson missed out with the bat in the first innings. However, he bagged figures of 5/17 to derail the Proteas’ batting effort in the first innings, giving Australia a huge lead of 188 runs. The tourists, however, were bowled out for 47 in their second innings and South Africa chased down the 236-run target with eight wickets to spare.

2. 19 balls – Scott Boland 

Scott Boland needed just 19 balls to pick up a five-for in an Ashes encounter in 2021 against England in Melbourne. England were bowled out for 185 in the first innings and Boland managed to pick up only one wicket. However, in the second innings, he finished with figures of 6/7, helping the Aussies win by an innings and 14 runs.

Stuart Broad is one of the finest fast bowlers to have played for England. He took a five-for in the opening hour of the fourth Ashes Test between England and Australia in Nottingham in 2015. The right-arm speedster eventually finished with figures of 8/15 as England won the match by an innings and 78 runs.

Ernie Toshack took five wickets in just 19 balls in Brisbane in a Test match between Australia and India. The home side declared at 382/8 in the first innings. In reply, India were bundled over for 58 as Toshack finished with figures of 5/2 in 2.3 overs. The left-arm seamer also picked up a six-for in the second innings, helping Australia win the one-sided clash by an innings and 226 runs.

1. 15 balls – Mitchell Starc

The iconic left-arm seamer used the pink ball to good effect and bamboozled the West Indies batters in their second innings. The Caribbean side was bowled out for 27, which is the second-lowest total in Test matches. Australia won the match by 176 runs to win the series by 176 runs. Starc won the Player of the Match as well as Player of the Series awards.

Disclaimer: This Exclusive News is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

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