Scott Bolandthe Aussie pacer known for his accuracy and unrelenting accuracy joined the squad for his crucial pink ball Test Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 in Adelaide against India. Substituted by Boland Josh Hazlewoodwho is sidelined with a “low-grade left side injury”, Already part of Australia’s 13-man squad, Boland’s inclusion adds depth and experience to the pace attack.
This marks Boland’s return to the Test arena after his last appearance during the Ashes 2023where he delivered key performances. His ability to take advantage of conditions that favor seam movement and bounce makes him ideal for the twilight spectacle of Adelaide, where the pink ball tends to help bowlers move.
IPL link : A lesser known chapter
While Boland is now a famous Test bowler, few remember his brief but remarkable appearance in Indian Premier League (IPL). Back in 2016, the Rising Pune Supergiants (RPS)captain from iconic MS Dhonisecured the services of Boland for INR 50 lakh. Although his chances were limited, Boland made his IPL debut against Mumbai Indians.
In the two matches he played for RPS, Boland bowled seven overs, taking two crucial wickets – Carlos Brathwaite and Sanju Samson. His economy rate of 7.71 and strike rate of 21 highlighted his effectiveness in the shortest format. However, he was dropped after two matches due to tactical adjustments, cutting his IPL journey short. Since then, he has not featured in the tournament, despite developing as an elite bowler in Test cricket.
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A Test career etched in excellence for Australia
Boland’s real claim to fame came much later when he made an impressive Test debut during the 2021/22 Ashes series. At his home ground, the MCG, Boland destroyed England with figures of 6/7, announcing himself as a bowler of the highest calibre.
Since then, his home Test record has been phenomenal. In just six Tests in Australia, Boland took 28 wickets at an impressive average of 12.21 and an economy rate of 2.20. His ability to relentlessly hit the right areas, coupled with subtle seam movement and sharp bounce, have made him a nightmare for batters. Australia won five of the six Tests played by Boland at home, with the other ending in a draw. His consistency and impact, particularly in high stakes games, highlight why he is an invaluable asset to the pink ball test.
Scott Boland’s rule over India
Boland’s prowess was on full display during his World Test Championship (WTC) Final in 2023 against India. Playing for the injured Hazlewood, Boland was the standout bowler as Australia secured a resounding 209-run win.
In India’s first innings, Boland removed the in-form Shubman Gill with beauty of delivery and later fired Srikar Bharathelping restrict India to 296. However, his most impressive performance came in the second innings, where he dismantled India’s top order. Boland again dismissed Gill and followed it up with a crucial wicket Virat Kohli for 49, effectively ending India’s hopes of a comeback.
The figures of his struggle 5/105 was instrumental in Australia being crowned world test champions. Boland’s ability to perform under pressure makes him a major threat in the upcoming Adelaide Test, particularly against an attacking scoring line-up like India’s.
A tough test for Indian batters
Boland’s style of bowling – built on metronomic precision and subtle variations – presents a unique challenge for the Indians. Players accustomed to quick scoring and boundaries will struggle to deal with Boland’s disciplined lines and lengths, especially in conditions that require patience and accuracy. The pink ball in Adelaide, known for its extra zip and movement under lights, is likely to play to Boland’s strengths. For India, combating his relentless pressure will be crucial to their success in this high-stakes Test.
