Scott Boland, the Australian fast bowler, showcased his outstanding form in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy, achieving his 50th Test wicket on Friday.
This achievement came during the fifth and final Test against India at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG).
In a remarkable first innings performance, Boland claimed four wickets for just 31 runs across 20 overs, maintaining an impressive economy rate of 1.60. He dismissed key players including Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, and Nitish Kumar Reddy, consistently challenging the Indian batting lineup with his precise lines and lengths.
Currently, Boland ranks as the fifth-highest wicket-taker in the series, having taken 15 wickets in three matches at an exceptional average of 15.46, with his best figures being 4/31. Notably, he has dismissed Virat Kohli three times throughout the series, often exploiting the outside off-stump line.
Over the course of 13 Test matches, Boland has secured 50 wickets at an impressive average of 18.88, with his best performance being 6/7. His home record is particularly remarkable, with 43 wickets in nine matches at an average of 13.34 and best figures of 6/7.
Against India, Boland has taken 20 wickets in five Tests at an average of 18.55, with his best figures again being 4/31.
At 35 years and 267 days, he becomes the oldest fast bowler to reach 50 Test wickets since New Zealand's Bevan Congdon, who achieved this milestone at 37 years and 10 days in February 1975.
In the match itself, India won the toss and opted to bat first. However, they faced a disappointing start as the top order faltered, particularly Virat Kohli, who managed only 17 runs while struggling against deliveries outside off-stump.
Despite this, Rishabh Pant (40 runs off 98 balls, including three fours and a six), Ravindra Jadeja (26 runs off 95 balls, with three fours), and captain Jasprit Bumrah (22 runs off 17 balls, with three fours and a six) helped India reach a total of 185 all out in 72.2 overs.
Boland was the standout bowler for Australia, finishing with figures of 4/31, once again proving to be a significant challenge for the Indian batsmen. Mitchell Starc contributed
