Scott Boland eyeing permanent spot in Australia's Test XI? Pacer speaks out after BGT heroics

Australia seamer Scott Boland expressed his delight following his Player of the Match performance in the fifth Test against India in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT). Scott Boland said that he didn't 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 win in the fifth Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) on Sunday, January 5. The right-arm pacer registered his career-best figures of 10/76. Boland helped Australia secure a 3-1 series victory, allowing them to regain the BGT for the first time since 2015.

It's Been a Really Enjoyable Couple of Months - Scott Boland

Scott Boland was named Player of the Match for his bowling performance. Reflecting on his limited opportunities, he admitted that he didn't expect to play in three out of the five Tests but was prepared when needed. Boland said that he was happy to play his part in Australia’s 3-1 series win.

"That will be nice. It's been a really enjoyable couple of months. I didn't think I would take too much part in the series. But I was prepared. Just got my body right, did some gym work and here I am. [The win] It was awesome. To win 3-1 against India, hasn't been done for a while. It was awesome. I am just happy to play the part whenever possible," said Boland in the post-match presentation.

Scott Boland Finished as 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 one 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 had success against Virat Kohli, dismissing him four times during the recent Test series. Pat Cummins, who took 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 victory.

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 on 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 don’t batsmen target him? Well, you can’t, because he’s Mr Consistent, he literally puts the ball on the spot, a good 5.5m length, every single ball,” Brett Lee told reporters on Saturday.

“But it’s what he does with the seam. He hits the rope consistently … if I was to emulate it, it’d have to be a massive leg-cutter. His consistency, his temperament, and he’s under the radar. He’s literally the world’s nicest guy. He doesn’t ask for the accolades, and he catches people off guard. This guy would play Test cricket anywhere (else) in the world as the number one bowler,” he added.

Also read: ICC World Test Championship Points Table, WTC Table After IND vs AUS 5th Test 2025