Scott Boland, the Australian pacer known for his precision and relentless accuracy, has been drafted into the team for the crucial pink-ball Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 at Adelaide against India. Boland replaces Josh Hazlewood, who is sidelined with a “low-grade left side injury,” Already part of Australia’s 13-member 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 2023, where he delivered key performances. His ability to exploit conditions favoring seam movement and bounce makes him a perfect fit for Adelaide’s twilight spectacle, where the pink ball tends to assist bowlers with movement.
IPL link : A lesser-known chapter
While Boland is now a celebrated Test bowler, few recall his brief but notable appearance in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Back in 2016, the Rising Pune Supergiants (RPS), captained by the iconic MS Dhoni, secured Boland’s services for INR 50 lakh. Although his opportunities were limited, Boland made his IPL debut against the Mumbai Indians.
In the two matches he played for RPS, Boland bowled seven overs, picking up two crucial wickets – Carlos Brathwaite and Sanju Samson. His economy rate of 7.71 and strike rate of 21 highlighted his efficiency in the shortest format. However, he was dropped after two games due to tactical adjustments, cutting short his IPL journey. Since then, he hasn’t featured in the tournament, despite his growth 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 a jaw-dropping Test debut during the 2021/22 Ashes series. At his home ground, the MCG, Boland demolished England with figures of 6/7, announcing himself as a bowler of the highest caliber.
Since then, his home Test record has been phenomenal. In just six Tests in Australia, Boland has claimed 28 wickets at a jaw-dropping average of 12.21 and an economy rate of 2.20. His ability to relentlessly hit the right areas, combined with subtle seam movement and steep bounce, has made him a nightmare for batters. Australia has won five out of the six Tests Boland has played on home soil, with the other ending in a draw. His consistency and impact, particularly in high-stakes games, underline why he is an invaluable asset for the pink-ball Test.
Scott Boland’s dominance over India
Boland’s prowess was on full display during the World Test Championship (WTC) final in 2023 against India. Stepping in for the injured Hazlewood, Boland was the standout bowler as Australia secured a resounding 209-run victory.
In India’s first innings, Boland removed the in-form Shubman Gill with a beauty of a delivery and later dismissed Srikar Bharat, helping restrict India to 296. However, his most impactful performance came in the second innings, where he dismantled India’s top order. Boland dismissed Gill again and followed it up with a crucial wicket of Virat Kohli for 49, effectively ending India’s hopes of a comeback.
His match figures of 5/105 played a pivotal role in Australia being crowned World Test champions. Boland’s ability to perform under pressure makes him a significant threat in the upcoming Adelaide Test, particularly against a batting lineup like India’s, which relies on aggressive scoring.
A tough test for Indian batters
Boland’s bowling style – built on metronomic accuracy and subtle variations – poses a unique challenge for Indian batters. Players accustomed to quick scoring and boundary-hitting will find it difficult to counter Boland’s disciplined lines and lengths, especially in conditions that demand patience and precision. The pink ball at Adelaide, known for its extra zip and movement under lights, is likely to amplify Boland’s strengths. For India, combating his relentless pressure will be crucial to their success in this high-stakes Test.
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