SYDNEY - Scott Boland showcased his remarkable talent as he led the charge for Australia on the opening day of the fifth Test against India at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), recording impressive bowling figures of 4-31. With this performance, he helped dismiss India for 185, solidifying his role as a key player for the Australian cricket team, particularly as he fills the void left by the injured Josh Hazlewood.
The 35-year-old Boland has become somewhat of a cult figure among Australian fans, known not just for his bowling prowess but for his low-key demeanor off the field. Former Australian coach Justin Langer lauded Boland's skill, describing him as "elite" and reflecting on how he would have thrived had he played during earlier eras of cricket. "He's brilliant, I love him. He's so mean on the field, but he's one of the most humble people you will ever meet," Langer commented. "Just image if he had been born in any era before? He would have been playing every single Test."
Boland's consistent line and length have troubled the Indian batting line-up extensively throughout this series. His masterful performance on day one illustrated this perfectly, particularly as he managed to dismiss Indian superstar Virat Kohli twice. The conditions on the unusually green SCG pitch aided Boland's effectiveness, prompting Langer to remark, "I've never seen so much grass on the Sydney Cricket Ground pitch ever" and expressing surprise over the wicket's seam movement.
Reflecting on Boland's performance, Indian wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant noted, "I think he's been an amazing bowler the way he bowls line and length, especially in Test cricket." Pant admitted to feeling Boland's experience on familiar conditions as if it were his hundredth match rather than just his thirteenth before commenting on Boland's strategic mindset when bowling to Kohli. "We’ve got pretty set plans on how we want to bowl to him... and it’s working at the moment."
Indeed, Boland's ability to extract movement even from challenging pitches has established him as one of the game's most dangerous bowlers. He recently marked his 50th Test wicket, showcasing his efficacy at securing key runs against high-profile batters like Kohli and Joe Root. "If there's anything in the wicket, he finds it and if there's nothing... he still manages to find a way through," said Beau Webster, highlighting Boland's relentless pursuit of excellence on the field.
With recent success against India, Boland has significantly developed his standing within the Australian cricket team. His accolades include securing six wickets during the previous tests and earning the distinction of averaging 18.88 runs over his career—a remarkable accomplishment placing him highly among Australian bowlers.
Despite the looming pressure from the larger-than-life figures of Hazlewood, Pat Cummins, and Mitchell Starc, Boland has proven himself time and again. His figures of 4-31 against India gave Australia momentum as they resumed from the day at 1-9. While many may see him as merely filling gaps left by injuries, those within the sport recognize Boland’s substantial contributions and growing reputation.
With this latest match, the question arises: how long until he secures his permanent place within the selection roster, especially if injuries plague key players like Hazlewood? The continuing trend of Boland’s late-career rise laments the idea of fate inclined against him. His remarkable 13 Tests mark him not just as an unlucky player but one of cricket’s compelling narratives.
By showcasing enormous skill throughout the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Boland has characterized himself as not just another replacement bowler, but as Australia's reliable cricket ace. Even if he does not continue to play alongside the triumvirate of pace bowlers, there is little doubt Boland's talent and tenacity will keep him within the spotlight for the foreseeable future.