Australian seamer Scott Boland has expressed his delight following 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 crucial 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 posted career-best figures of 10/76. Boland helped Australia to a 3–1 series win, allowing them to regain the BGT for the first time since 2015.
It's been a really nice couple of months – Scott Boland
Scott Boland was named Player of the Match for his bowling performance. Reflecting on his limited opportunities, 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 nice couple of months. I didn't think I'd take much part in the series. But I was ready. I got my body right, I did some work in the gym and here I am. (Victoria) A It was great to win 3-1 against India, it hasn't been done for a while. It was great, I'm happy to play this role whenever possible,” said Boland presentation.
Scott Boland ranked third highest wicket taker in BGT 2024-25
Boland finished the Border-Gavaskar Trophy as the third highest wicket taker. He picked up 21 wickets from three matches at an impressive average of 13.19 and a strike rate of 29.04, including a five-wicket haul. The pacer stepped in for Josh Hazlewood in the second Test and again in the last two Tests.
The 35-year-old was successful against Virat Kohli, dismissing him four times during the recent Test series. Pat Cummins, who has taken 25 wickets from five matches, is the leading wicket-taker for Australia. Travis Head (448 runs) and Steve Smith (314 runs) also played crucial 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” for his ability to bowl every delivery in the same spot. Lee said Boland would play as the number one bowler in any other Test team in the world.
“This guy is a freak. I get asked in the street, Scott Boland bowls 134km/h, why aren't the boys targeting him? Well you can't because he's Mr Consistent, he literally puts the ball on the spot, a good 5.5m, every ball,” Brett Lee told reporters on Saturday.
“But that's what it does with the seam. He hits the rope constantly…if I were to imitate it, it would have to be a massive leg chopper. His consistency, his temperament, and he's under the radar. He is literally the nicest guy in the world. Don't ask for praise and catch people off guard. This guy would play Test cricket anywhere (else) in the world as a number one bowler,” he added.
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