Scott Boland, the Australian seamer, remains one of the most underrated fast bowlers of his generation. Known for his remarkable bowling discipline and strong domestic record, Boland struggled to break into Australia’s Test side, overshadowed by the star-studded pace trio of Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Pat Cummins.
However, Boland’s moment came in 2021 when he made his Test debut at 32 against England in Melbourne. He immediately impressed, establishing himself as a key back-up pacer for the team.
5. 3/16 vs West Indies, 2022, Adelaide
In the 2022 Adelaide Test during the West Indies’ tour of Australia, Victorian pacer Scott Boland demonstrated his exceptional bowling skills. After Australia posted a commanding 511 in their first innings, the bowlers dismissed West Indies for 214 runs. Boland took 3/16, including the key wickets of Kraigg Brathwaite and Jermaine Blackwood, as Australia won the match by a dominant 419-run margin.
4. 4/36 vs England, 2022, Sydney
In the second Test of his career, Boland delivered an impressive 4/36 against England in the 2022 Sydney Test. His outstanding performance came in the first innings, where he dismantled the English batting lineup, limiting them to 294 runs. Among his victims were Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow. The match ended in a thrilling draw, with England hanging on with one wicket remaining after surviving the last two overs.
3. 4/31 vs India, 2025, Sydney
During the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT), with Josh Hazlewood injured, Scott Boland played a key role in helping Australia secure a 3-1 series victory. In the final Test in Sydney, Boland claimed the Man of the Match award for his brilliant performance, taking 10 wickets in the match. In India’s second innings, he took 4/31, bowling 20 overs with eight maidens, and dismissing key batsmen like Jaiswal, Kohli, Pant, and Nitish Kumar Reddy. India was bowled out for 185.
2. 6/45 vs India, 2025, Sydney
In the same Sydney Test, Boland claimed his second career five-wicket haul with remarkable figures of 6/45 in India’s second innings. His brilliant spell helped limit India to just 160 runs. He claimed four wickets from India’s top seven, playing a pivotal role in Australia’s victory by six wickets, sealing the series win.
1. 6/7 vs England, 2021, Melbourne
Scott Boland’s best Test bowling performance came in his debut match during the 2021 Melbourne Test against England. He produced an unforgettable spell of 6/7, dismissing England for just 68 runs in their second innings. His remarkable effort in a critical situation helped Australia bowl England out and clinch a commanding victory by an innings and 14 runs. Boland’s debut performance earned him the Player of the Match award.
| Rank | Figures | Opponent | Year | Venue | Match Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 6/7 | England | 2021 | Melbourne | Australia won by an innings and 14 runs |
| 2 | 6/45 | India | 2025 | Sydney | Australia won by 6 wickets |
| 3 | 4/31 | India | 2025 | Sydney | Australia won by 6 wickets |
| 4 | 4/36 | England | 2022 | Sydney | Match drawn |
| 5 | 3/16 | West Indies | 2022 | Adelaide | Australia won by 419 runs |