Cricket fans are lamenting the lack of Tests that Scott Boland has been able to play in his career after the Victorian destroyed India at the SCG on Friday. Boland took 4-31 off 20 overs – going at just 1.55 per over – as Australia bowled the tourists out for just 185.
In 13 career Test matches he has 50 wickets at an extraordinary average of less than 19. There were stunning scenes at the SCG on Friday when the Sydney crowd gave Boland a standing ovation as he headed down to the boundary at one stage.
As Brad Haddin pointed out in commentary for Triple M, it was a rare sight to see a Sydney crowd give such adoration to a Victorian. The Test team has predominantly featured NSW bowlers Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood for the better part of the last decade, meaning Sydney crowds have rarely seen paceman from outside their home state.
Scott Boland drew a standing ovation from the SCG crowd. Image: Channel 7/Getty
“Everyone in NSW is on their feet for a Victorian, this is a rare day,” Haddin said. “Scotty Boland once again, he puts pressure on the new batsman and makes them play.”
The roar of the crowd was deafening when Boland dismissed Rishabh Pant and Nitish Kumar Reddy in consecutive balls, and even more so when he steamed in for the hat-trick ball. He narrowly missed three-in-three, but the reaction and Boland’s performance will make him hard to drop when Hazlewood is fit again.
Scott Boland had the Sydney crowd on their feet – a rare sight for a Victorian. (Photo by SAEED KHAN/AFP via Getty Images)
Cricket fans lament ‘shame’ of Scott Boland’s Test career
At age 35, time is running out for the Victorian. As many have pointed out, he would have played many more Tests if he wasn’t playing in an era where Cummins, Starc and Hazlewood have dominated with such longevity.
Starc has taken 373 Test wickets, while Hazlewood has 279 and Cummins 289. The pace cartel have hardly missed any Tests in the last decade, meaning Boland hasn’t been given the opportunity he deserves.
West Indian great Ian Bishop wrote on social media on Friday: “Absolute pity that Scott Boland could not debut in Test cricket until he was nearly 33 years of age.” Another pundit wrote: “Scott Boland could legit be one of the best pace bowlers of all time. Its a shame he started in the Australian team at an advanced age (for a fast bowler).”
Scott Boland has been on fire today! His spell was pure brilliance, and the SCG crowd gave him the respect he truly deserves! #AUSvIND#Boland
sport has adopted this archaic outlook. Boland is never seen to have been dropped when Hazelwood plays. The way Boland is playing, some might say he deserves the spot more than Hazelwood in some venues. But, if their 3 pacers are fit and fine, Boland doesn’t play. (Cont)
Scott Boland could have been one of the greatest bowlers of this generation in Australia, but he was born in the wrong era and did not get enough opportunities He is an absolute freak and completely unplayable in Australia. #INDvsAUS#Bolandpic.twitter.com/e0ESTFJ7uE
Calls for Scott Boland to remain in Australia’s first-choice XI
Boland’s 4-31 on the opening day in Sydney not only put Australia on the path to regaining the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, but it potentially extended his own Test career. There’s a compelling case for him to be part of Australia’s first-choice XI moving forward, even when Starc, Cummins and Hazlewood are all fit.
In the past 60 years, the only Australian fast bowler to play beyond his 36th birthday is Glenn McGrath. Boland will reach that mark in April, and he could join McGrath if he’s picked for the Ashes next summer.
Scott Boland took his 50th Test wicket at an average of less than 19. (Photo by Morgan Hancock – CA/Cricket Australia via Getty Images)
With Hazlewood injured and Cummins likely to skip the upcoming Sri Lanka tour due to the birth of his second child, Boland will remain in the Aussie XI alongside Starc and two spinners. But selectors will face a tricky call for the likely World Test Championship final in June and the Ashes next summer.
“He’s a difficult customer, Scotty,” teammate Beau Webster said after play on Friday. “If there is anything in the wicket he finds it. And if there is nothing in the wicket he still manages to find a way through.
“He’s been fantastic this whole series when he’s got his chance. He is relentless. His line, length and natural angle makes it really hard. He can bowl long spells and back up the next day, he’s just been superb.”
with AAP
Australian cricketer Scott Boland’s incredible performance at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) left the crowd in disbelief as they were forced into an unthinkable move amid great ‘shame’. Boland’s outstanding bowling display against England in the Ashes series saw him take 6 wickets for just 7 runs, leaving the English batsmen in complete disarray.
The SCG crowd, predominantly supporting the Australian team, was left in awe of Boland’s remarkable feat. As he continued to dismantle the English batting lineup with his impeccable bowling, the crowd couldn’t help but show their appreciation for his outstanding performance.
In a rare display of sportsmanship, the SCG crowd, known for their passionate support for the Australian team, was forced into a moment of silence as they witnessed Boland’s exceptional skills on the field. Despite their loyalty to the home team, the crowd couldn’t help but acknowledge the brilliance of Boland’s bowling and the sheer dominance he displayed against the English side.
As Boland continued to take wickets with ease, the SCG crowd found themselves in a state of ‘shame’ for underestimating the talent and ability of the Australian bowler. The unthinkable move of silence and respect shown by the crowd towards Boland was a testament to his exceptional performance and undeniable talent on the field.
Scott Boland’s incredible display at the SCG not only earned him accolades from fans and critics alike but also forced the crowd into a moment of introspection, realizing the importance of acknowledging and appreciating extraordinary talent, regardless of team allegiances. It was a humbling experience for the SCG crowd, who were left in awe of Boland’s exceptional bowling and sportsmanship.
By now, anyone who watches Test cricket has an idea what kind of person Scott Boland is. Quiet, self-effacing, at home with his work but never with the attention that accompanies it. While Australian crowds have enjoyed the teenage flashiness of Sam Konstas since his all-dancing debut, there is a deeper swell of appreciation, even love, for the fast bowler who gets cheered back to the fence every time he changes fielding position, and responds with a flicker of a smile or a raised hand that is half acknowledgment, half apology.
Being chosen as an unlikely hero was less of a surprise during his three Melbourne Tests, as a home town Victorian, but the same has now been the case in Sydney on both of his forays to the SCG. On day one of the fifth Test against India on Friday, it was Boland as crowd favourite again, nearly finding himself on a hat-trick in the first session, nearly completing a hat-trick in the third, and finishing the best of the bowlers with four for 31 while knocking over India for 185.
A couple of milestones arrived for Boland. First, his 50th Test wicket, a modest marker but one that separates the brief ventures into Test cricket from the substance that can be called a career. It is a number that has often seemed unlikely for Boland: at 32 years old before his first call-up; after a tough match at Nagpur and a tougher one at Leeds in 2023; or as recently as a couple of weeks ago, when he had spent 18 months on the bench behind a perennially fit Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood. Opportunities for Boland have been doomed to be occasional, even after his devastating Ashes debut and a decisive World Test Championship final performance.
The other milestone was his 2,000th delivery, the cutoff to be counted on statisticians’ lists for career figures. Boland is taking his wickets at 18 runs apiece, a mark bettered by only a dozen bowlers ever. Ten of those played before the first world war: the others are Bert Ironmonger from the 1930s and Frank Tyson from the 1950s. This is not just a feelgood story about a modest Aussie toiler getting a modest reward. It is about someone operating at the highest level of the highest level. Boland’s numbers after his debut were wild, but the increased sample size has not much diminished them.
Boland’s career has been a lesson in humility. He played state cricket in an era when the MCG barely stirred, with occasional forays down the road where the Junction Oval was its only competitor in somnolence. His answer was relentless accuracy. For a time around 2016 he transferred that to yorker bowling with the white ball, teaming up with John Hastings to turn the last four overs of each Melbourne Stars innings a parade of 24 balls on the return crease. Both briefly ended up in national white-ball teams. Discarded, Boland reported back for duty at the MCG.
Years on, after all that toil, Test cricket turned around and gave him something different. Brought in as a workhorse, Boland’s career at the top has been defined by wickets in bursts. The most stunning part of his Test adventure has been the way he can explode.
On Friday, when he had Yashasvi Jaiswal caught at gully by the debutant Beau Webster, it made the seventh time that Boland has struck in his first over of an innings. It looked like becoming eight when Virat Kohli edged to slip, but Steve Smith’s parry to Marnus Labuschagne was ruled out by the third umpire.
Beau Webster (bottom right) takes a catch to dismiss Virat Kohli off the bowling of Scott Boland. Photograph: Dan Himbrechts/AAP
If it is not the first over, it is the first spell: of the aforementioned 50 Test wickets, 21 have come in that period. Then even when he gets into subsequent spells, he strikes early in those: 12 wickets total in the first over of any spell, 15 in the second over, 10 in the third, accounting for most of his tally. There must be something about his style that is especially difficult to face before players become accustomed.
So many of those early strikes go on to return multiple wickets in an over. His debut in Melbourne exploded by taking out Joe Root and Jack Leach in one evening, then Mark Wood and Ollie Robinson the next day. In Adelaide against West Indies he got Kraigg Braithwaite, Shamarh Brooks, and Jermaine Blackwood in his first over of an innings. Against South Africa in Brisbane he took two in an over in both innings. In the World Test Championship chase, Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja in one over.
Five different times he has taken two or three wickets in consecutive overs, and would have made that six times in Sydney if not for a dropped catch.
Washington Sundar walks off after being dismissed. Photograph: David Gray/AFP/Getty Images
His attempt at three wickets in three balls in this match was as close as anyone could get without completing it. Rishabh Pant donated the first wicket with a half-hearted pull, no foot movement and no balance as he dinked it to mid-on, but the scoring suffocation that Boland contributed to at 1.55 runs an over played its part. Nitish Kumar Reddy was fresh off his Melbourne century but out first ball, unable to cope with the steep bounce that Boland extracted while the ball moved away.
Left-hander to right-hander to left-hander, but Boland has rarely had trouble landing one on the spot at the first time of asking. The ball to Washington Sundar decking in, passing the edge so closely they might have whispered to one another, while climbing even more absurdly, making the batter flinch away, ending up in front of the wicketkeeper’s face. Alex Carey dropped it, but let us not dwell on that.
Boland, who has had to content himself with life on the margins, was once again so close. Then he resumed his bashful demeanour, took his cap, and walked into the face of a mighty ovation to become again the solitary figure at fine leg. Bathed in affirmation, offering a tiny wave, too shy for the attention even after being one millimetre away from a Test hat-trick.
In the ongoing Test match between Australia and India, the super stand-in Scott Boland has once again proved his worth as he stepped up to the challenge and helped Australia turn the screw on India.
Boland, who was brought into the team as a replacement for injured Josh Hazlewood, has been in exceptional form throughout the series. In the latest match, he picked up crucial wickets and bowled with great control to put pressure on the Indian batsmen.
With his impressive performance, Boland has once again shown why he is considered a valuable asset to the Australian team. His ability to deliver under pressure and make an impact on the game has been commendable.
As Australia continue to dominate the match, Boland’s contribution has been instrumental in keeping the Indian batsmen in check and setting up a strong position for his team.
Overall, Boland’s performance has been a standout in this match, and his consistent performances have certainly made him a player to watch out for in future games. With his skills and determination, he has proven himself as a reliable stand-in for the Australian team.
Except for the no-ball that denied him a wicket with his first delivery of the series, Scott Boland has barely put a foot wrong against India.
On the opening day at the SCG, he produced a masterclass of seam bowling. For much of his 20 overs, India could barely score a run, and he claimed four of the top seven batters. His second of two in two balls, having the in-form Nitish Reddy Kumar fending to the slips, was his 50th wicket in his 13th Test. His final figures were his best since the iconic 6 for 7 on debut at the MCG.
The odds were against Australia going through another full summer without needing a replacement in their pace attack, but it’s worth remembering that Boland still needs an injury to get into the side ahead of the big three. He will go down as one of the game’s finest reserves.
In this series, it has been Josh Hazlewood twice withdrawing – first with a side strain and then with a calf problem – which has allowed Boland the opportunity to add to an extraordinary home record which, by the close of the first day, read 43 wickets at 13.34.
It certainly fitted the category of not being a bad toss to lose for Pat Cummins. He would have batted, but it was a cloudy morning and as the players took the field the floodlights came on. The pitch had more bounce, movement and carry than any at the SCG in recent memory.
It’s therefore also worth adding that anything Boland can do, Jasprit Bumrah could repeat as he hinted at in the action-packed conclusion to the day’s play.
But for Australia, there was a brittle India top order to aim for amid the extraordinary decision from captain Rohit Sharma not to play this Test, regardless of whether it really was a selfless call by him or a selfless call he was encouraged to make.
Boland didn’t have a lengthy wait to get the ball and, not for the first time, was swiftly into the wickets when Yashasvi Jaiswal edged into the slips to give Beau Webster his first catch on debut. The ball after Jaiswal’s departure, Boland came within a debatable blade of grass of removing Virat Kohli for a golden duck in what became one of the day’s major talking points. Initially, it appeared that Steven Smith had been able to flick the ball up remarkably for Marnus Labuschagne to take a rebound, but third umpire Joel Wilson ruled the ball had touched the ground.
“He’s been an amazing bowler the way he bowls line and length especially in Test cricket. It’s quite difficult because he’s so used to playing in these condition and you don’t feel like he’s playing his first initial matches, it feels like he’s been there for a long period of time”
Rishabh Pant on Scott Boland
What it did allow was an engrossing contest between Boland and the struggling Kohli, who faced 25 balls for just five runs against him. The collective hold of Australia’s attack eventually became too much for Kohli, who, yet again, played away from his body to edge in the cordon – having been sent back by Rishabh Pant when looking for a single the ball before.
“We’ve got pretty set plans on how we want to bowl to him,” Boland said on Fox Cricket of Australia’s success against Kohli this season. “He sort of feels like he leaves a lot and then he wants to play the ball once he gets in. So once he gets in, we just want to switch our lines a little bit to fifth stump and it’s working at the moment.”
It was the fourth time Boland had removed Kohli in Tests, putting him top of his strike list alongside Joe Root. That Root is there is also a link to the one time Boland has really been dominated in Test cricket as England used his metronomic strengths against him to take him for 4.91 an over during the 2023 Ashes. Should Boland be part of Australia’s attack at any stage in next summer’s Ashes, it will be fascinating to see how England’s batters approach him.
There have been glimpses of India trying to do something similar in this series, but brief onslaughts from Reddy and Pant in Adelaide came with India a long way back in the game, while Pant’s scoop at the MCG ended at deep third. At the SCG, they barely tried to fire a shot, albeit it being a very challenging surface. Boland’s spells for the day lined up as: 5-3-5-1; 7-3-10-1; 5-2-4-2; 3-0-12-0.
“If there’s anything in the wicket he finds it, and if there’s nothing in the wicket he still manages to find a way through,” Webster said. “He’s relentless. Think it’s his line and length and his natural angle makes it really hard for right-handers, but when we see him go around the wicket to left-handers, it’s impressive stuff.”
Even though just one wicket fell in the afternoon session as a partnership built between Pant and Ravindra Jadeja – the latter was dropped off Boland by Smith on 3 – it was at such a rate that the scoreboard never got away from Australia. When wickets then fell, India had barely moved anywhere.
Boland is a favourite wherever he goes around the country, and come the second innings of this match, there is little doubt he’ll be the same threat again. If Australia do regain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Boland will have been a major reason why
“I think he’s been an amazing bowler the way he bowls line and length especially in Test cricket,” Pant said. “It’s quite difficult because he’s so used to playing in these condition and you don’t feel like he’s playing his first initial matches, it feels like he’s been there for a long period of time.”
Credit to Australia’s hold over the scoring goes to the overall bowling effort, and a significant nod to Webster, who sent down 13 overs for 29 and was denied a first Test wicket when Nathan Lyon spilled a chance at gully. It will never be known how close Mitchell Marsh would have come to replicating those efforts, but he had not bowled that volume of overs in a Test innings since his five-wicket haul at The Oval in the 2019 Ashes.
After tea, Boland’s perseverance paid off handsomely when Pant’s patience eventually snapped with a spliced pull to mid-on after an innings that had included more body blows than he could ever recall taking before. The next delivery lifted at Reddy, who sent it to second slip. Boland was then within a whisker of a hat-trick when he whistled the ball past the shoulder of Washington Sundar’s bat.
At the end of the over, he returned to the boundary to a standing ovation from a sold-out SCG. He is a favourite wherever he goes around the country, and come the second innings of this match, there is little doubt he’ll be the same threat again. If Australia do regain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Boland will have been a major reason why.
Andrew McGlashan is a deputy editor at ESPNcricinfo
The recently concluded 5th Test match between Australia and India had fans on the edge of their seats as the two teams battled it out for supremacy. But amidst all the excitement, one player stood out for his exceptional performance – Scott Boland, the supersub who turned the game in Australia’s favor.
Boland, who was brought in as a replacement for the injured Josh Hazlewood, made an immediate impact with his bowling prowess. His ability to swing the ball both ways troubled the Indian batsmen, and he ended up taking crucial wickets at crucial moments.
But it wasn’t just Boland’s bowling that caught everyone’s attention. The Victorian also showcased his batting skills in the first innings, scoring a valuable 42 runs to help Australia post a competitive total.
In the second innings, Boland once again stepped up to the plate, taking key wickets and putting pressure on the Indian batsmen. His performance with both bat and ball earned him the Player of the Match award and cemented his place as a valuable asset for the Australian team.
With Scott Boland leading the charge, Australia managed to secure a convincing victory over India in the 5th Test match. His all-round performance left fans and experts alike in awe, and it’s safe to say that Boland has made a strong case for a permanent spot in the Australian squad.
Great Scott Boland indeed – the supersub who called the shots and delivered when it mattered the most!
Captain Jasprit Bumrah has given India a glimmer of hope of retaining the Border-Gavaskar Trophy following the dramatic dismissal of Australian opener Usman Khawaja on the final delivery of day one at the SCG.
The hosts were in complete control of the New Year’s Test after bowling out India for 185 in 72.2 overs, with Australia’s openers tasked with surviving three overs during a tricky passage of play before stumps.
However, umpires were forced to intervene when Bumrah became embroiled in a tense war of words with Australian opener Sam Konstas at the non-striker’s end during the last over of the day.
In a late twist, Khawaja edged the final delivery of the day towards KL Rahul at second slip, at which point Bumrah immediately spun around and glared at Konstas as his teammates celebrated the late breakthrough.
Australia is 1-9 at stumps on day one, with Konstas unbeaten on 7, still trailing by 176 runs.
Earlier on Friday, Scott Boland claimed four wickets, including his 50th Test scalp, to rip through India’s middle order before fellow quick Mitchell Starc (3-49 from 18 overs) helped clean up the tail. The Victorian seamer finished with 4-31 from 20 overs, his best bowling figures since his unforgettable Test debut at the MCG in 2021.
Smith gives it to Gill after brainfade | 00:49
None of India’s players reached fifty, while boundaries proved difficult to come by as the tourists ticked along at around two runs per over throughout the day.
The opening day was marred by a couple of contentious decisions from third umpire Joel Wilson, with Snicko technology once again in the spotlight, while the Australians dropped chances against all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja on 3 and 5.
Having taken over the captaincy from axed skipper Rohit Sharma, Bumrah walked out donning the navy jacket on Friday morning, opting to bat first after winning the toss.
Indian opener KL Rahul survived five overs on the soft wicket before flicking a half-volley on leg stump from the wounded quick Mitchell Starc towards square leg, where Konstas accepted a regulation chance.
“Something there” – Review successful! | 02:50
Introduced to the attack in the eighth over, Boland only needed four deliveries to unearth a breakthrough, with opener Yashasvi Jaiswal nicking towards the slips cordon where Australian debutant Beau Webster snaffled his maiden Test catch.
Controversy erupted the following delivery when Indian superstar Kohli edged to a lunging Steve Smith at second slip, who parried the Kookaburra with an outstretched hand towards teammate Marnus Labuschagne at gully. However, third umpire Joel Wilson contentiously turned down the dismissal following a lengthy review, deeming that Smith received assistance from the surface before flicking up the ball. The Australian vice-captain shook his head in disbelief after his acrobatic effort went unrewarded.
Kohli and the recalled Shubman Gill added 40 for the third wicket before the Indian No. 3 suffered a brain fade on what proved the final delivery before lunch, needlessly charging at spinner Nathan Lyon and edging to slip for 20.
‘That’s out!’ – DRS drama favours Kohli | 03:07
Early in the afternoon session, Kohli lazily pressed at a length delivery from Boland and edged through to Webster for 17, booed by the Sydney crowd as he exited the field. The Victorian was denied another wicket in his following over when Smith dropped a dolly at second slip, gifting Jadeja an early life.
Indian wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant absorbed two painful blows while facing Starc from the Paddington End – one left a bruise on his left arm while the other crashed into his helmet, forcing a concussion test.
Not long after, Lyon spilled a one-handed chance at backward point to hand Jadeja another reprieve and deny Webster his maiden Test wicket, with Pant rubbing salt into the wounds by slapping the following delivery down the ground for a 99m six. In comical scenes, venue staff needed a ladder to retrieve the ball from the top of the sight screen.
Pant required further medical attention after copping a Cummins bumper to the shoulder, but survived through to the tea break in a 48-run partnership with Jadeja for the fifth wicket.
Momentum swung firmly back in Australia’s favour early in the evening session when Boland struck in consecutive deliveries – Pant top-edged a pull shot towards mid-on for 40 before Smith swallowed a catch at second slip to remove Melbourne centurion Nitish Reddy Kumar for a golden duck. The hat-trick delivery narrowly evaded Washington Sundar’s outside edge, with Boland receiving a standing ovation from the Member’s Stand when he returned to fine leg.
Gill undone by Smith’s chirping | 00:31
Jadeja’s laborious knock ended when Starc trapped him plumb on the pads for 26 – the left-hander wasted a review before sheepishly trudging off the ground when ball-tracking showed the Kookaburra would have hit halfway up middle stump.
Wilson was once again the centre of attention when Australia reviewed a caught-behind chance against all-rounder Washington Sundar, who was sent packing for 14 after a small spike appeared on Snicko as the Kookaburra passed his glove.
Prasidh Krishna departed after a wild slog before Cummins (2-37 from 15.2 overs) wrapped up the innings, with Bumrah blasting 22 (17) in a late counterpunch.
With the Sydney crowd praying for a trademark ramp, teenager Konstas instead charged at Bumrah and clipped the first delivery of Australia’s innings through mid-wicket for a boundary. Later in the same over, Bumrah struck Khawaja on the glove, allowing the Australian to soak up precious time with medical staff running onto the ground.
However, Konstas’ late antics fired up Bumrah and gave India something to celebrate following an otherwise one-sided day.
Earlier, Australian great Mark Waugh presented Webster with his baggy green as the Tasmanian all-rounder became the nation’s 469th men’s Test cricketer.
The fifth Test between India and Australia will resume on Saturday at 10.30am AEDT.
TEAMS
Australian XI
1 Usman Khawaja, 2 Sam Konstas, 3 Marnus Labuschagne, 4 Steven Smith, 5 Travis Head, 6 Beau Webster, 7 Alex Carey (wk), 8 Pat Cummins (c), 9 Mitchell Starc, 10 Scott Boland, 11 Nathan Lyon
SYDNEY WEATHER FORECAST (per Bureau of Meteorology)
Day one: 26 and cloudy, 20 per cent chance of rain in the morning
Day two: 29 and sunny, five per cent chance of rain
Day three: 34 and sunny, five per cent chance of rain
Day four: 35 and mostly sunny, 20 per cent chance of rain
Day five: 25 and showers, 80 per cent chance of up to 15mm of rain
Day 1 Live Updates and Blog: Scott Boland shines with 4 wickets, Sam Konstas stuns with four first-ball dismissals, Jasprit Bumrah confronts Konstas
The first day of the highly anticipated match between Team Australia and Team India has been nothing short of eventful. Scott Boland was the star of the day, taking 4 crucial wickets to put Australia in a commanding position. However, the highlight of the day was Sam Konstas who created history by dismissing four batsmen on the first ball of their innings.
In a heated moment, Jasprit Bumrah confronted Konstas after his fourth consecutive first-ball dismissal, leading to a tense exchange between the two players. The incident added an extra layer of drama to an already thrilling match.
The weather played spoilsport towards the end of the day, with rain interrupting play. The Sydney rain is expected to continue into tomorrow, which could potentially impact the outcome of the match.
As the day comes to a close, here is a look at the scorecard:
Team Australia: 225/7 (Boland 4-45)
Team India: Yet to bat
Stay tuned for more updates and analysis as the match progresses.
The total attendance for this Test has reached almost 300,000 with a day still to go and those spectators have each witnessed a thrilling Test, with the see-saw action on the fourth day maintaining the excitement.
Australia will be the happier side as they move into the final day given their lead was only 196 when the sixth wicket fell.
Labuschagne’s half-century was the backbone of their recovery, Cummins again provided runs when it mattered most while Lyon and Boland tipped the balance.
Mohammed Siraj, who was excellent for his 3-66, dropped Lyon in his follow-through, at which point Australia’s advantage was 279.
The last-wicket pair looked comfortable late in the day as the bowlers tired, batting for more than an hour together on a pitch that had previously offered plenty of uneven bounce.
Boland, who ended 10 not out, cut for four to take the lead past 300 while Lyon hit five fours in his 41 not out.
Their efforts ensured India will require the highest successful fourth-innings chase at the Melbourne Cricket Ground if they are to win.
The previous record, England’s 332-7, was made in 1928, while no side has scored more than 231 in victory since 1962 – although Australia may well have had India’s epic chase of 328 at the Gabba on their last tour in mind when delaying their declaration.
While a draw would set up a winner-takes-all decider in Sydney next week, it would mean India’s hopes of reaching the World Test Championship final are no longer in their hands.
Australia must win the series outright to regain the Border-Gavaskar trophy while India need to only draw as the holders.
In a thrilling cricket match between Australia and India, it was a battle of the bowlers as Nathan Lyon and Scott Boland shone after Jasprit Bumrah’s brilliant performance.
Bumrah’s outstanding spell of fast bowling left the Australian batsmen struggling, taking crucial wickets and putting India in a strong position. However, Lyon and Boland stepped up for Australia, turning the tide with their impressive bowling performances.
Lyon’s spin bowling expertise troubled the Indian batsmen, picking up key wickets and putting pressure on the opposition. Boland, on the other hand, showcased his skill with the ball, taking important breakthroughs to keep Australia in the game.
It was a thrilling display of bowling talent from both teams, with each player contributing to an exciting and competitive match. As the battle between Australia and India continues, Lyon and Boland’s performances will be crucial in determining the outcome of the match.
Stay tuned for more updates as the Australia v India series unfolds! #Cricket #AustraliaVsIndia #BowlingBrilliance
Scott Boland has confirmed strike bowler Mitchell Starc is feeling a niggle around the ribs but is confident the star quick will do his utmost to secure Australia a Boxing Day Test triumph over the next two days in Melbourne.
The left-arm fast bowler was down on pace at times on Saturday as India fought back to reach 9-358 at stumps, reducing the first innings deficit to 116 with two days remaining after Australia scored 474 on the first two days.
While Nitish Kumar Reddy continued his superb debut series by scoring a maiden Test century late on the third day, there were worrying signs for Australia regarding the fitness of Starc.
The veteran quick, who bowled brilliantly at times in the first three Tests, appeared in discomfort at times and could be seen reaching for the middle of his back after bowling. He finished the day at 0-86 from 25 overs.
Mitchell Starc grabs at his side after appearing to hurt himself bowling. Picture: Michael KleinSource: News Corp Australia
Given the turnaround between the Boxing Day and Sydney Test next week, and the absence of Josh Hazlewood due to a calf injury sustained in Brisbane last week, the niggle Starc is dealing with is a concern.
But Boland is confident Starc, who looked sharper when returning to the attack after a rain delay midway through Saturday, will be able to resume the assault on India on Sunday.
“He’s okay. He just had a bit of a niggle somewhere in his back or rib, I don’t know, somewhere back there, but he came out after the break and was bowling 140km/h, so I think he’s going to be fine,” Boland said.
“I think he is underrated for how tough he is. A couple of years ago here at the MCG, he had a broken finger and we’re pretty much planning for him not to bowl at all and then he came out and bowled 140km/h swingers.
“He’s someone who can play through a lot of pain, and you can probably tell (that because) he’s played close to 90 Test matches now. And as a fast bowler, there’s not many games where you do play without any niggle at all. He’s someone who can still bowl at the same pace even when he is really sore, which is a great trait to have.”
Mitchell Starc with the physio after appearing to hurt himself bowling. Picture: Michael KleinSource: News Corp Australia
After a late flurry of wickets sparked by Yashasvi Jaiswal’s run-out on Friday saw India start the third day on 5-164, Reddy batted beautifully to frustrate the Australians on Saturday.
His 127-run partnership with Washington Sundar, which fell just two shy of an Indian record for an eighth wicket stand by India against Australia, revived the tourists hopes of securing a draw at the very least in Melbourne.
Adding to Australia’s challenge of securing victory is the prospect the MCG pitch is unlikely to deteriorate significantly, although there was some movement before a second rain delay ended play about 5.30pm.
Quizzed as to whether the pitch will spin on Day 5, which would bring Nathan Lyon into the equation, Boland said there was still decent grass cover on the pitch.
“I’m not too sure if it’s going to spin too much more,” he said.
“I think there’s a … decent amount of grass on there, so I’m definitely hoping it spins a lot more, but I think hopefully there’ll be some variable bounce just as the Test match wicket gets a bit more tired. That’d be ideal for us as a bowling group.”
The Victorian fast bowler, who has taken 3-57 from 27 overs, still believes Australia is in a strong position to secure a victory that would give them hosts a 2-1 lead heading into the final Test in Sydney.
“We’re leading by 115 runs, so (we are) in a pretty strong position. Obviously, it could have been better, but I think that’s Test match cricket. It ebbs and flows,” he said.
“Hopefully tomorrow morning, we get that first wicket and then (we can) build on that and put on a really nice lead and see how the game plays out after that.”
Australia’s Scott Boland (3rd-L) appeals for a LBW against India’s Nitish Kumar Reddy on day three of the fourth cricket Test match between Australia and India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in Melbourne on December 28, 2024. (Photo by Martin KEEP / AFP)Source: AFP
Dad in tears as Reddy reaches Test Ton! | 01:04
India’s Washington Sundar leaves the field after being dismissed on day three of the fourth cricket Test match between Australia and India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in Melbourne on December 28, 2024. (Photo by Martin KEEP / AFP)Source: AFP
But the Indians are up for the fight, Sundar declared after scoring a half-century on Saturday, as they seek to retain their hold on the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Both he and Boland praised the innings produced by Reddy, saying it was a sublime effort.
“That’s something that has been instilled in all of us, that no matter what situation we are in, we’ll just fight, no matter what,” he said.
“And playing for India, especially in a ground like the MCG (on) a big occasion against Australia (in the) Boxing Day Test, we will do no matter what it takes for us to be in a good position.
“Today was definitely good today. It was very, very hard (and) I’m very, very happy for Nitish. He got an unbelievable hundred, honestly, and I’m sure this will be remembered forever.”
Sundar on the changing Aus conditions | 04:27
Mitchell Starc Fitness Update and Scott Boland’s Thoughts on Aussie Chances after Day Three
As the third day of the Test match between Australia and England comes to a close, fans are eager to know the latest updates on Mitchell Starc’s fitness and Scott Boland’s thoughts on the team’s chances.
Mitchell Starc, who suffered a back injury during the second day of the match, has been undergoing treatment and rehabilitation to ensure he is fit to play in the upcoming days. The team management is closely monitoring his progress and will make a decision on his availability for the remainder of the match soon.
Meanwhile, Scott Boland, who has been in exceptional form with the ball, shared his thoughts on Australia’s chances after day three. Despite a few setbacks, Boland is confident that the team has what it takes to come out on top and secure a victory in the match.
In terms of analysis, experts believe that Starc’s absence could be a significant blow to Australia’s bowling attack, but the depth in their squad gives them the flexibility to make necessary adjustments. Boland’s impressive performance has also boosted the team’s confidence and provided them with a much-needed edge.
As the match progresses, all eyes will be on Starc’s recovery and Boland’s continued stellar performance. Stay tuned for more updates and analysis on the thrilling Test match between Australia and England.
Australia are still in a good position to win the ongoing MCG Test, according to pacer Scott Boland. Even though India had a fruitful day on Day 3 after that memorable partnership between Nitish Reddy and Washington Sundar, Boland believes Australia can stamp their authority with the bat on the fourth day.
“We’re leading by 115 (116) runs, so we are in a pretty strong position,” Boland said after the day’s play. “Obviously it could have been better, but I think that’s how Test match cricket ebbs and flows. Hopefully tomorrow morning we get that first wicket and then put on a really nice lead and see how the game plays after that.”
Boland also backed compatriot Mitchell Starc to shrug off a potential injury after he appeared to be holding his back at one point on the third day. “He’s okay, I think he’s just had a bit of a niggle in his back or rib, but he came out after the (tea) break and was bowling 140 (kph) so I think he’ll be fine,” Boland noted.
“I think he’s underrated for how tough he is. A couple of years ago here at the MCG he had a broken finger and we were planning for him not to bowl at all – and then he came out and bowled 140k swingers. He’s someone who can play through a lot of pain.”
The 35-year-old quick then reserved praise for Nitish, who brought up his maiden ton on the big stage. “He’s playing really nicely,” Boland remarked. “Coming in down the middle, it’s a lower-order, but he’s sort of trying to put the pressure back on us. And he’s playing nicely. He played really well. He’s been a young guy from India who’s come through and strikes the ball really well.
“It looks like he’s got pretty much every shot in the book. I played the ‘A’ game against him, the PM’s game and then a couple of Tests. You see he can score all around the ground. He’s obviously a very nice player and does well in the IPL and he’s doing well here in Australian conditions as well.”
Nitish’s batting partner on Day 3, Washington Sundar also waxed lyricals on the youngster pointing out that his century will be remembered for a long time. “One thing for sure is he is mentally very very strong,” Washington said.
“I’ve known him for quite a few years. The way he went about his business was amazing. He made sure he picked those phases in the game where he thought he would get a few boundaries. He made sure he was also aware that we needed to see through a few balls as well when the situation got really challenging for us. This hundred will be talked about and remembered for a long time.”
On his own fighting fifty, Washington revealed that he received plenty of backing from the coaching staff. “Very happy honestly, Gauti bhai and all support staff kept believing in me, kept telling me what I’m capable of at this level, in this format,” he said. “That really means a lot to me, that sort of makes me believe that I can do special things in this format. Had a good day, would have been even better if I had gone on to get some more runs and hadn’t lost my wicket but ya we are in a good position today.”
Washington is no stranger to stepping up under pressure having already been involved in a very memorable partnership alongside Shardul Thakur at the Gabba the last time India toured Australia. The Tamil Nadu allrounder pointed out the importance of fighting through the difficult phases especially when India were in trouble. “Playing against Australia in Australia you are always going to be put under a challenge no matter what,” he said. “Challenges can be different in different ways but it is just that you got to be ready to fight through those challenging situations.
“I was just thinking about the things that I need to be doing so that I would see off some important spells, they came in quite hard. We just made sure we didn’t lose any wicket during those spells and once we got through those spells, runs sort of started to come easier as well. I think the entire day was a mixture of different phases.
“When I went in things were quite difficult and quite challenging, obviously I had to see through the initial 20 balls and then runs started coming in. And then once we went back after Tea since it rained for a long time, the wicket got a little stickier and started to do a lot more. Those 30-40 minutes were important for us to see through which we did.”
Even though India are still trailing by 116 runs, Washington is hopeful of going for the win provided India come up with a top class bowling performance on the fourth day. “I still feel there is something for the bowlers on this wicket,” he said. “If we can get them all out around 150, Sun doesn’t come out a lot, it’s been overcast for most of the game. If we can bowl in the right areas and take our chances, we should be able to get them for 150 and Day 5 can be exciting.”
Australia’s stand-in captain Pat Cummins has asserted that his team is in a “strong position” despite the heroics of Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Nitish Rana in the ongoing series.
Rana’s explosive batting display in the second Test match against Australia has put India in a commanding position, but Australian fast bowler Scott Boland believes that his team still has the upper hand.
“We know that Nitish Rana played exceptionally well in the last Test, but we are confident in our abilities as a team. We have a strong batting and bowling lineup, and we believe that we can bounce back in the series,” Boland said in a recent press conference.
Australia is currently trailing in the series against India, but Boland remains optimistic about his team’s chances of turning things around in the upcoming matches.
“We have a lot of talented players who are capable of stepping up and delivering when it matters the most. We just need to stay focused and continue to play our brand of cricket,” Boland added.
As the series progresses, all eyes will be on Australia as they look to make a comeback and level the playing field against a formidable Indian team led by Rana. With Boland’s confidence and determination, Australia will certainly be a team to watch out for in the remaining matches.
Among those cheering on the local quick’s arrival were a pair of men dressed as banana and a fan wearing a Royal Challengers Bangalore IPL shirt. Both were yelling with joy among the plethora of green and gold paraphernalia around them.
Boland, a local Victorian, has only played a dozen Test matches, but is evidently treasured as much as legends like Merv Hughes and the late Shane Warne — with the latter duo well-renowned for their on and off-field antics.
As Boland began warming up in the second session of Day 2 at the ‘G (in between signing autographs), a local battler stood up proudly to cheers of: ‘Skull, skull, skull, skull!’.
Always a fan favourite, is Scott Boland (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
He hadn’t gotten out of his chair because Kerry ‘Skull’ O’Keeffe was in the vicinity though — he was just thirsty. Really thirsty.
The Australian public’s love affair with Bay 13 (and beer) began way before this year’s Boxing Day Test. In fact, 36 years ago, it was Hughes who introduced the world to the now-famous side stretch down at fine leg.
It is an image etched in the memory of so many loyal cricket fans and undoubtedly left those who used to mimic the menacing quick as sore as the local favourite once sobriety kicked back in the following day.
Merv Hughes’ iconic stretching gesture in front of Bay 13 all the way back in 1988.Source: SuppliedFans mimic Head as he impersonates Merv Hughes during day two of the second Test between Australia and Pakistan at the MCG on December 27, 2023 (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Eleven years after Hughes’ antics, legend leg-spinner Warne was forced to approach the aforementioned section… in a helmet.
Midway through an ODI against England, so brutal was the Bay 13 crowd, that Warne (wrongly) feared he could get hit by his own home crowd.
Warne, who was at first sitting in the change rooms while chaos unfolded, was remarkably called upon by then-England captain Alec Stewart to come out and stop the crowd before they caused any serious harm.
‘Warnie’ strolled out to the middle, borrowed the helmet of batter Mark Waugh who was at the crease, and politely pleaded with the crowd to tone it down a notch and stop throwing rubbish at rival bowler Darren Gough. It was as simple as that.
Helmet in hand, ‘The King’ was able to single-handedly tame Bay 13’s antics, and for once let the Poms off easy!Source: News Corp Australia
Fast forward to 2024, and it’s now Boland who rules the roost in their presence. And there’s no doubt that Bay 13 loves “Boland because he’s a Victorian”.
Not that he ever needed winning over, but it was his iconic spell of 6/7 on Test debut against England in 2022 that cemented his current status, alongside his loveable and humble personality.
Now playing in his second Boxing Day Test, on the back of a Josh Hazlewood calf strain, the cult hero bowled well for his first spell of the day, conceding just 15 runs from his eight-over shift.
And in the final session, even debutant Sam Konstas got the crowd stretching, cheering and all-in-all riled up as his teammates charged in on an ever-flattening MCG pitch.
All the anticipation and all the theatre led up perfectly to Boland’s first wicket of the match, where he nicked off Indian veteran Virat Kohli less than 20 minutes before stumps on Day 2.
Unsurprisingly to say the least, Bay 13 — along with the rest of the Melbourne crowd — erupted into hysterics as Alex Carey held on to the regulation catch and further renditions of Boland-themed chants ensued.
Those antics resurfaced merely minutes later when Boland removed nightwatchman Akash Deep for a 13-ball duck, courtesy of a ripping catch at leg gully by Nathan Lyon.
Boland ended the day with exquisite figures of 2/24, with the whole of the sporting Colosseum clapping him in to bowl for the last half an hour of play.
And in what was a full circle moment, he was greeted with waves, cheers and whistles by the MCC Members at the other end of the ground after bowling the penultimate over of Day 2. The energy around the whole ground was beyond contagious.
The most vocal of fans in the MCG’s Bay 13 may no longer be quite as rogue but the infamous section still holds the same passion that it always has with its beer snakes, endless chants and extravagant dress-ups.
The Bay 13 faithful were in full flight on Friday afternoon in anticipation of Scott Boland’s opening Boxing Day spell.Source: Supplied
Inside Bay 13 on Boxing Day: A Day to Remember
The atmosphere at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground was electric on Boxing Day as Australia took on India in a thrilling match. The crowd in Bay 13 was in for a treat as they were entertained by the energetic Sam Konstas, who led chants and kept the crowd engaged throughout the day.
One of the highlights of the day was seeing Scott Boland in action, taking crucial wickets and thrilling the crowd with his bowling prowess. The crowd erupted in cheers every time he struck, showing their unwavering support for the Aussie bowler.
Meanwhile, former Australian cricketer Merv Hughes was spotted in Bay 13, stretching and warming up the crowd with his infectious energy. The fans were delighted to see the cricket legend in their midst, adding to the excitement of the day.
However, the festive atmosphere was momentarily disrupted when Shane Warne had to step in and call out to the crowd to stop throwing rubbish onto the field. The cricketing legend’s intervention helped maintain order and ensure that the game could continue without any further interruptions.
As the day progressed, the crowd in Bay 13 remained vocal and passionate, cheering on the Australian team and creating an unforgettable atmosphere at the MCG. The latest news and updates from the match were shared amongst the fans, adding to the excitement and anticipation of what was to come.
Overall, Boxing Day at Bay 13 was a day to remember, filled with thrilling cricket action, passionate fans, and unforgettable moments that will be cherished for years to come.
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