Australian seamer Scott Boland expressed his delight after his man-of-the-match performance in the fifth Test against India in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT). Scott Bolland said he does not expect to play a significant role in the five-match series but has prepared well by focusing on his fitness.
Boland played a crucial role in Australia's six-wicket win in the fifth Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) on Sunday 5 January. The right-arm pacer scored career best figures of 10/76. Boland helped Australia to a 3-1 series win, allowing them to reclaim the BGT for the first time since 2015.
It's been a really fun couple of months – Scott Poland
Scott Bolland 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 win.
“It's going to be great. It's been a really fun couple of months. I didn't think I was going to be involved in the series that much. But I was ready. I just got my body right, did some exercise and here I am. “( Winning) was great. A 3-1 win over India, that hasn't happened for a while. “I am happy to play this role whenever possible.”
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 has taken 21 wickets from three matches at an impressive average of 13.19 and a strike rate of 29.04, including one five-wicket haul. He stepped in for Josh Hazlewood in the second Test and again in the final two Tests.
The 35-year-old had success against Virat Kohli, dismissing him four times during the last 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 sets the ball straight – Brett Lee
Former Australian speedster Brett Lee has praised Scott Bolland for his consistency and exceptional skill. He described Boland as “freakish” for his ability to throw 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 weird. I get asked on the street, 'Scott Boland is bowling 134km/h, why aren't batsmen targeting him?' “A good 5.5 metres, every ball.”
“But that's what he does with contact. He's constantly hitting the ropes… If I was going to try to imitate him, it would have to be a huge leg chop. His consistency, his temperament, he's under the radar. He's literally the nicest guy in the world. He doesn't ask for accolades; “This guy would play Test cricket anywhere (else) in the world as the number one bowler,” he added, surprising people.
Read also: ICC World Test Championship Points Table, WTC Table Post IND vs AUS 5th Test 2025
