Scott Boland achieved something special at the SCG that connects him to the legendary Glenn McGrath, as he helped take down India in the fifth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Boland, stepping in for Josh Hazlewood, showed he was just as powerful.
In the first innings, he was a star, claiming 6 wickets for just 45 runs. He kept troubling India’s batsmen in the second innings too. On Day 2, he took vital wickets, including big names like Virat Kohli (17 runs) and Rishabh Pant (61 runs).
The next day, he partnered well with captain Pat Cummins and wrapped up India’s innings, ending with 4 wickets for 31 runs. India scored 157 runs, which was not enough to challenge Australia. Boland’s combined match figures were 10 wickets for just 76 runs, making him only the second Australian fast bowler since 1990 to achieve this at the SCG. The first was McGrath, who took 10 wickets for 103 runs back in 2000.
With India setting a target of 162 runs, Australia’s batting started well. Sam Konstas was aggressive and scored quickly but fell for 22 runs after being caught by Washington Sundar. After losing a wicket, Prasidh Krishna kept up the pressure by taking down Australia’s top players—Marnus Labuschagne and Steven Smith—keeping India in the game.
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