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.
“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.
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
— Explorer (@explorer732) January 3, 2025
Absolute pity that Scott Boland could not debut in test cricket until he was nearly 33 years of age.
— Ian Raphael Bishop (@irbishi) January 3, 2025
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)
— Agnimitra Roy (@AgnimitraRoy) January 3, 2025
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 #Boland pic.twitter.com/e0ESTFJ7uE— CSKIAN_07 (@Cskian7781) January 3, 2025
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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.
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.
Tags:
- Scott Boland
- SCG crowd
- Shame
- Cricket
- Australian cricket
- SCG
- Boland bowling
- Cricket match
- Unthinkable move
- Cricket fans
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