Scott Boland, the Australian seamer, reflected on his memorable debut at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) as he prepares for the Boxing Day Test. He vividly remembers his six-wicket haul against England in the 2021 Boxing Day Test.
Boland’s remarkable 6-7 spell helped Australia secure an innings and 14-run victory, ensuring they retained the Ashes.
“It’s funny. All I wanted to do from when I was growing up was play Test cricket, and then I was walking off at lunch, and I was like, ‘Geez, I’m glad it’s done’.”
He admitted that he initially anticipated the day to be challenging. The experience surpassed his expectations, and he still finds it hard to believe the sequence of events that unfolded.
“I thought it was going to be a bit of a slog that day. I still can’t believe it, really. I only bowled 24 balls or something like that. I guess it was all those years I’d put in playing for Victoria on wickets out there that weren’t in my favour as much. It all sort of worked out on that one day,” said Boland to The Sydney Morning Herald on Wednesday.
Boland’s inclusion in the Australian playing eleven for the upcoming Boxing Day Test comes after Josh Hazlewood’s series-ending calf injury. He showcased his form in the recent Adelaide Test against India, taking five wickets in Australia’s ten-wicket win.
While Boland expresses his desire to participate in every match, he acknowledges his position within the squad. He recognizes the formidable competition he faces from some of Australia’s finest fast bowlers.
“I’d love to play every game. But I’m comfortable with my position in the squad. I know that in front of me are three of the best fast bowlers Australia’s ever had. Test cricket is hard on your body. I feel like there’s always going to be a bit of natural rotation through people picking up little niggles or just a bit sore from having bowled a lot.”
Boland observes that the previous year was an exception, with the top three bowlers completing seven consecutive Tests without injuries. He attributes their success to their ability to dismiss opposing teams swiftly, allowing them extra rest.
“Last year was a bit of a one-off where those three guys got through seven Tests in a row unscathed. It shows how good they are. They were giving themselves extra days off by bowling teams out so quickly,”
Boland shared insights into his meticulous preparation routine, emphasizing the importance of avoiding any loose deliveries. He credits his former bowling coach, Mick Lewis, for instilling this discipline.
“I’m someone who can’t afford to bowl any bad ball. My bowling coach for Victoria for a long time was (sometime Australian quickie) Mick Lewis. He always harped on about not having any warm-up balls at the start of a spell.”
He maintains his readiness by practicing during breaks, ensuring his run-up speed and comfort level are optimal from the first ball.
“I’m someone who likes to bowl a bit during the lunchbreak or at tea, just to make sure that if I’m bowling, I’m ready to go. You might see I always run through my run-up before I start my spell. That’s just to make sure that my run-up speed is up to speed and I feel comfortable when I’m running in for the first ball.”
Having now played eleven Test matches, Boland aims to maximize his opportunities at the international level.
“I think I’ve played 11 Tests now. I just want to play as many as I can. Whatever opportunities come up, wherever they might be in the world, I just want to be ready to go. I’ve loved the last three years playing for Australia and I want to keep going for as long as I can,”