Despite a hat-trick in Jamaica, doubts remain over when this pacer will next get a Test opportunity.
Scott Boland’s incredible debut—taking 7 for 6—came nearly four years ago. Yet, since then, the Australian pacer has featured in just 13 more Tests. Every time he’s played, Boland has delivered with the ball, but he’s never managed to cement his place in the side. Even after his recent hat-trick against West Indies in Jamaica, uncertainty still hangs over his Test future.
That’s mainly because Australia continues to rely on its experienced pace trio — Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood. The selectors have handed Boland just a single opportunity to play ahead of them.
Boland debuted at 32 in the 2021 Boxing Day Test, stunning England with 7 for 6 in the second innings.
Since then, Australia has played 39 Tests, but Boland featured in only 14. Yet in this limited time, the 36-year-old has outshone most. His 62 wickets have come at a staggering average of 16.53 — the sixth-best in Test history among bowlers with at least 50 wickets. And in the past 110 years, no one with as many wickets has a better average.
Despite such remarkable numbers, Boland remains on the fringes of the Australian Test team. His recent appearance against West Indies in Kingston ended a six-month wait. He also became just the second Aussie pacer in 60 years to play Test cricket past his 36th birthday — after Glenn McGrath.
In Jamaica, Boland took a team-best 3 wickets in the first innings. Then, in the second, amidst Starc’s record-breaking 6 for 9, Boland snatched a hat-trick — dismissing Justin Greaves, Shamar Joseph, and Jomel Warrican with the first three balls of his second over.
Starc and Boland’s brilliance bowled West Indies out for 27, giving Australia a massive 176-run win and sealing a 3-0 series sweep.
Boland’s hat-trick was Australia’s first in nearly 15 years — since Peter Siddle’s against England in 2010. He became Australia’s 10th Test bowler to claim a hat-trick and the first ever in day-night Test history.
Australia fielded four pacers in that pink-ball Test, which opened the door for Boland. His inclusion also meant veteran spinner Nathan Lyon missed out — the first time in 12 years he was left out when fit.
After the win, Starc, who took home Player of the Match and Player of the Series, praised Boland, calling him the unluckiest Baggy Green cricketer.
“Had he played for another country, he’d have played far more Tests. But whenever he gets his chance, like this week, he delivers. He never strays from that perfect length,” said Starc.
“He always keeps himself ready. This week, he got his chance and showed just how outstanding a Test bowler he is.”
Boland may have another shot at the upcoming Ashes series. With the final three Tests scheduled within 23 days, Australia could look to rotate their attack, giving Boland a possible opening.
The Ashes will kick off with the Perth Test this November — Australia’s next Test assignment.
