Scott Boland's record vs India -- and why should Rohit Sharma and Co. be worried for 2nd BGT 2024-25 Test
India will be keen to build on the momentum after having scripted a turnaround win in the first Test in Perth to take a 1-0 lead in the five-match series against Australia. The second Test is set to begin in Adelaide on December 6, which will also be a pink ball game.
Ahead of the second Test, Australia suffered a huge blow, with pacer Josh Hazlewood ruled out due to injury. It is most likely that Scott Boland, who is a part of the original squad, will replace him for the game. Additionally, the hosts also have a strong set of backup options in the likes of Sean Abbott, Brendan Doggett, and Beau Webster.
Boland has had a short Test career so far. However, in the ten Tests he has played, he has been impressive, having picked up 35 wickets at an average of 20.34 and an economy-rate of 2.79.
Talking of Boland's Test record against India, he has played two matches and has grabbed five wickets from three innings at an average of 27.80 and an economy rate of 2.62.
Scott Boland played in the second unofficial Test for Australia A against India A at Melbourne as well. The fast bowler has been in good recent form, picking up three wickets in his most recent Sheffield Shield game as well. He has also played 107 frst-class matches and has the knack of pickng up wickets, having taken 384 of them.
Why Rohit Sharma and India should be worried about facing Scott Boland in the second BGT 2024-25 Test?
India won the first Test at Perth and will be brimming with confidence ahead of the second BGT 2024-25 Test in Adelaide. While Josh Hazlewood being ruled out would come as a slight relief, the Indians have plenty to be worried about nonetheless.
Notably, the Adelaide Test will be a pink ball affair. The visitors have struggled against the pink ball. During their previous tour, India were bowled out for 36 runs in the first innings of the Adelaide Test, which was also a pink ball game. Facing the pink ball is always going to be a challenging affair for the visitors.
Scott Boland, while having played only two Tests against India, has an impressive record. He played against Rohit Sharma and company in the World Test Championship final in 2023 at The Oval. Boland accounted for three wickets in the first innings and two wickets in the second, grabbing a total of five wickets and playing a key role in Australia's win in the final.
Boland is also known for his ability to seam the ball, maintain tight lines and lengths and offers control, making it difficult for the batters to face him in conditions that favor fast-bowling. Moreover, the pacer boasts a stellar average of 13.71 from two pink ball Tests, which is why India should be concerned about facing him at Adelaide.
He can nip the ball off the seam and as the day goes to the night, the conditions will only become more favorable for someone like Boland with the pink ball. As a result, he could prove to be a real threat to the Indian batters in the second BGT 2024-25 Test.