Australia return home with a perfect 8–0 record across formats in the West Indies
Australia wrapped up a historic clean sweep in the West Indies, winning every toss and every match across both Test and T20I formats — a feat that now finds a place in the record books.
After sealing the T20I series 5–0, Australian captain Mitchell Marsh reflected with a smile:
“I never thought it would be 5–0 before the series…”
Marsh was speaking specifically about the T20Is, where a whitewash over the West Indies on their home turf is no small task. But Australia’s dominance extended beyond the shortest format — under Pat Cummins’ leadership, they also clinched the Test series 3–0. From toss to victory, the Aussies were in complete control throughout the tour.
The final T20I ended in a three-wicket win for Australia, completing the 8–0 sweep — their most successful overseas tour in terms of wins without a loss or draw. Their previous best came in New Zealand in 2005, when they won eight matches but drew one.
The all-time record, however, still belongs to India, who won nine straight matches on a single tour of Sri Lanka in 2017 without a single loss or draw.
In the final game in St Kitts, Australia’s bowlers laid the foundation for victory by bowling out the West Indies for 173. Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, Australia chased down the target with three overs to spare.
Batting first after losing the toss, the West Indies stumbled early, losing Brandon King (11) and Shai Hope (9) inside four overs. Injury replacement Keacy Carty also departed for just 1.
Sherfane Rutherford tried to revive the innings with an aggressive 35 off 17, but was bowled by Glenn Maxwell. Shimron Hetmyer then anchored the innings with a 52 off 31, putting on the highest stand of the innings — 47 runs — with Jason Holder (20).
Romario Shepherd and Matthew Forde chipped in, but Ben Dwarshuis was the key with the ball. After taking the early wickets, he returned to remove Hetmyer and finished with three wickets, earning the Player of the Match award.
Australia’s chase began shakily as Mitchell Marsh (14), Josh Inglis (10), and Glenn Maxwell (golden duck) fell early — leaving them 25 for 3. But the counterattack was swift and effective.
Cameron Green (32 off 18) continued his fine form, while Tim David, returning from a one-game rest, smashed 30 from just 12 balls. Mitchell Owen, who hit a fifty on debut, again impressed with 37 off 17. Aaron Hardie (28*) calmly steered the side home.
Marsh credited the team’s hunger to finish the job:
“I never thought it would be 5–0. But we played outstanding cricket throughout the series. After winning the fourth match, we discussed as a group that no Aussie team had ever won every single match on a tour — that gave us extra motivation.”
The West Indies won’t have much time to regroup, as a T20I series against Pakistan begins this Friday morning (Bangladesh time) in Florida, followed by a three-match ODI series.
Australia, meanwhile, head home to face South Africa in three ODIs and three T20Is, starting August 10.
Match Summary
- West Indies: 170 in 19.4 overs
(Hope 9, King 11, Rutherford 35, Hetmyer 52, Holder 20; Dwarshuis 3/41, Ellis 2/32) - Australia: 173/7 in 17 overs
(Green 32, David 30, Owen 37, Hardie 28*; Joseph 2/21, Akeal Hosein 3/17)
Result: Australia won by 3 wickets
Series: Australia win 5–0
Player of the Match: Ben Dwarshuis
Player of the Series: Cameron Green
