Scott Boland has solidified his reputation as one of Australia’s premier fast bowlers following remarkable performances during the recently concluded Border-Gavaskar series against India. His stellar achievement of taking 10 wickets at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) contributed significantly to Australia's 3-1 victory over India, and has since ignited calls for him to secure his place as a primary selection going forward.
The spotlight on Boland intensified when Australian Test captain Pat Cummins announced he would be skipping the upcoming tour to Sri Lanka to support his wife, whose due date for their second child coincides with the tour. This development opens the door for Boland, who may have otherwise faced being omitted from the playing XI due to the likely spin-friendly conditions expected in Sri Lanka, where the squad would typically deploy only two seamers out of necessity.
Given Hazlewood’s injury concerns and uncertainty surrounding Mitchell Starc's fitness, selectors are poised to feature Boland prominently. They will likely field him along with Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, and possibly Todd Murphy, with Hazlewood's participation remaining uncertain. If Cummins were to have played, the fierce competition for places would have likely pushed Boland to the sidelines, imposing a harsh reality check on the 35-year-old’s aspirations.
Boland’s performance at the SCG during the series has left cricket fans buzzing. He was named Player of the Match, finishing with figures of 10 wickets for 76 runs across both innings, which underscored Australia’s dominance over India. Boland’s overall series contribution saw him claim 21 wickets — just short of Cummins’ 25 — at the impressively low average of 13.19. His overall Test career now boasts 56 wickets at the staggering average of 17.66, making him one of the most effective bowlers of his generation.
Former cricketer Brett Lee weighed in on the burgeoning debate surrounding Boland’s place within the Australian lineup, stating, “My gut says you have to pick those three guys [Cummins, Starc, and Hazlewood] every day of the week.” Despite acknowledging Boland’s skills and contributions, Lee emphasized the historical strength of the current Australian bowling trio, citing them as potentially irreplaceable due to their elite standing within the sport.
Even with Lee’s reservations about Boland leaping past one of Australia’s Big Three, many Australian supporters have started to view Boland as more than just the backup choice. Social media is filled with fans calling for Boland to take on additional responsibilities or even build him a statue at the MCG. One fan quipped, “If he’s fit, he’s no longer the No. 4 quick for Australia at home who plays only because of injury.”
Another fan humorously commented on social media about Boland’s recent track record against Indian star batsman Virat Kohli, jokingly implying Boland keeps Kohli's likeness “in his pocket” after dismissing the ex-India captain multiple times during the series.
Pat Cummins endorsed Boland’s character and performance, observing, “Whenever he [Boland]comes in you just know he’s a seasoned pro... His figures are probably even more impressive than what they show.” This validation from Australia's Test captain aids the argument for Boland’s integration as part of the first-choice lineup.
The dilution of competition for fast bowling places due to injuries to Hazlewood and Starc has sparked agency for Boland, with selectors now grappling with how they will fit him once the healthiest of the trio returns. His exceptional attention to detail and fascinating bowling techniques, particularly his consistency and seam work, demonstrate why many, like Brett Lee, credit Boland as “the world’s nicest guy,” and possibly among the best around today.
Where the Australian selectors go from here is contingent upon fit players' health and performances, leading up to significant international clashes, including the upcoming World Test Championship final and the Ashes series. This year has demonstrated Boland’s potential to seize every opportunity presented to him.
So, as we look toward the future, expect more intriguing narratives to emerge within this dynamic Australian team setup, and as test cricket continues to evolve, so too must its players, particularly those as promising as Scott Boland.