West Indies cricket in spotlight after Aussie demolition

It took just 14.3 overs for Australia to claim victory in the third Test.

Cricket in the West Indies continues to be in the spotlight after an extraordinary Australian demolition in the third and final Test of the current tour.

Yesterday morning (AEST) in Jamaica, Australia won by 176 runs thanks to a stunning performance from Mitchell Starc, who took 6 for 9, while Scott Boland became the 10th Aussie man to take a hat-trick.

Justin Greaves, with 11 runs, had the highest total for the Windies in the second innings, followed by six leg byes. Seven players made ducks, including four golden ducks.

It followed Aussie victories of 159 runs in the first Test and 133 runs in the second Test.

Cricket West Indies president Dr Kishore Shallow has now released a statement, saying he "felt the pain of our recent Test defeat to Australia".

"The result hurts deeply, not only because of how we lost, but because of what West Indies cricket has always represented to our people: pride, identity, and possibility. There will be some sleepless nights ahead for many of us, including the players, who I know feel this loss just as heavily. But while disappointment is natural, we must not allow this moment to define our journey."

Shallow declared progress was "rarely straightforward" and it will take "time, perseverance, and belief, especially in our most difficult moments [...] but I have faith in the talent and commitment of our players when they apply themselves."

"We have already seen encouraging signs, particularly with the ball. Our batters are keen, but now must be even more deliberate as they work to improve."

"Now is not the time to turn away. Now is the time to stand even closer as a people. These are the moments that shape us."

Three Windies icons – Sir Clive Lloyd, Sir Vivian Richards, and Brian Lara – have now been invited to an "emergency meeting" where the Test series will be reviwed.

"These are men who helped define our golden eras, and their perspectives will be invaluable as we shape the next phase of our cricket development. We intend for this gathering to result in tangible, actionable recommendations. Consistent with my message over the last weeks, this is a moment that calls for collaboration, not division."

"We need everyone on board: fans, players, coaches, legends, and administrators, if we are to truly move forward. There is much work to be done. But we must do it with purpose, and we must do it together."

The tour will resume on 20 July (local time) with the start of five T20 matches, concluding just over a week later.