Sydney [Australia], January 3: Australian pacer Scott Boland maintained his exceptional form in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy, claiming his 50th Test wicket on Friday during the fifth and final Test against India at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG).
Boland delivered a stellar performance in the first innings, taking 4 wickets for just 31 runs in his 20 overs at an impressive economy rate of 1.60. His victims included the dangerous Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, and Nitish Kumar Reddy, as he consistently troubled the Indian batsmen with his impeccable lines and lengths.
The 35-year-old is currently the fifth-highest wicket-taker in the series with 15 wickets from three matches at a remarkable average of 15.46, with best figures of 4/31. Boland has been a constant thorn in the side of Virat Kohli, dismissing the Indian star three times in the series, often with deliveries outside off-stump.
In his Test career, Boland has now taken 50 wickets in 13 matches at a superb average of 18.88, with best figures of 6/7. His record on home soil is particularly impressive, with 43 wickets from nine matches at an average of 13.34. Against India, Boland has taken 20 wickets in five Tests at an average of 18.55, with best figures of 4/31.
At 35 years and 267 days old, Boland becomes the oldest seamer to reach 50 Test wickets since New Zealand’s Bevan Congdon (37y 10d) in February 1975.
In the ongoing match, India won the toss and chose to bat first but endured a disappointing start as their top order collapsed, particularly Virat Kohli, who continued his struggles with deliveries outside off-stump. Despite a resilient effort from Rishabh Pant (40 in 98 balls, with three fours and a six), Ravindra Jadeja (26 in 95 balls, with three fours), and skipper Jasprit Bumrah (22 in 17 balls, with three fours and a six), India was bowled out for 185 in 72.2 overs.
Boland was once again the standout bowler, taking 4/31, with Mitchell Starc claiming 3/49 and Pat Cummins picking up 2/37.