Scott Boland considering permanent place in Australia’s Test XI? Pacer speaks after BGT heroics
Australian sealer Scott Boland has expressed his delight with his man-of-the-match performance in the fifth Test against India in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT). Scott Boland said he did not expect to play a significant role in the five-match series but had prepared well by focusing on his fitness.
Boland played a key role in Australia’s six-wicket victory in the fifth Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) on Sunday, January 5. The right-arm pacer recorded his career-best figures of 10/76. Boland helped Australia secure a 3-1 series win, allowing them to reclaim the BGT for the first time since 2015.
It’s been a really enjoyable few months – Scott Boland
Scott Boland was named man of the match for his bowling performance. Reflecting on his limited options, he admitted he did not expect to play in three of the five Tests but was ready when needed. Boland said he was happy to play his part in Australia’s 3-1 series win.
“It’s going to be nice. It’s been a really enjoyable few months. I didn’t think I’d be involved in the series too much. But I was ready. I just got my body right, did a bit of work in the gym and here I am. [The win] It was great. To win 3-1 against India, that hasn’t happened in a while. It was great. I’m happy to play a role whenever possible,” Boland said in the post-match presentation.
Scott Boland finished as the third highest wicket taker in BGT 2024-25.
Boland finished the Border-Gavaskar Trophy as the third highest wicket taker. He took 21 wickets from three matches at an impressive average of 13.19 and a strike rate of 29.04, including one five-wicket haul. The pacer came in for Josh Hazlewood in the second Test and again in the last two Tests.
The 35-year-old had success against Virat Kohli, dismissing him four times during the recent Test series. Pat Cummins, who has taken 25 wickets in five matches, is Australia’s leading wicket-taker. Travis Head (448 runs) and Steve Smith (314 runs) also played key roles in Australia’s series win.
He literally puts the ball on the spot – Brett Lee
Former Australian speedster Brett Lee praised Scott Boland for his exceptional consistency and skill. He described Boland as a “freak” because of his ability to bowl every delivery to the same spot. Lee said Boland would play as a number one bowler in any other Test team in the world.
“This guy is a freak. They ask me on the street, Scott Boland is throwing 134 km/h, why are batters not hitting him? Well, you can’t, because he’s a consistent gentleman, he literally puts the ball in place, a good 5.5 meters in length, every single ball,” Brett Lee told reporters on Saturday.
“But that’s what he does with the seam. He keeps hitting the rope… if I wanted to imitate him, it would have to be a massive leg-slicing knife. His consistency, his temperament, and he’s under the radar. He is literally the nicest guy in the world. He doesn’t ask for praise and catches people off guard. This guy would play Test cricket anywhere (else) in the world as the best bowler,” he added.
Also read: ICC World Test Championship Points Table WTC Table After IND vs AUS 5th Test 2025