January 15, 2025: Former Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin has praised the impact of Australian pacer Scott Boland during the 2023-24 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, acknowledging his crucial role in turning the series in Australia's favor. Ashwin, speaking on his YouTube channel, emphasized that Boland's entry into the squad was a game-changer, particularly against India's left-handed batters.
Boland's inclusion in the Australian team proved to be pivotal, as his relentless line and lengths, especially his round-the-wicket deliveries, caused significant problems for Indian batsmen. Ashwin noted that while Pat Cummins had a strong series, he struggled against left-handers, and without Boland in the team, India would have likely won the series. He credited Boland's round-the-wicket deliveries to Indian left-handers as a "major factor" in Australia's success.
Boland had an outstanding series, taking 21 wickets in just three matches at an average of 13.19, including a remarkable 6/45 and a ten-wicket haul in the fifth Test. He was the third-highest wicket-taker in the series and was particularly effective against India's star batter, Virat Kohli, dismissing him four times. His consistency and ability to trouble Indian batsmen made him a significant thorn in India's side throughout the series.
Ashwin further praised the series, calling it "class and outstanding" from a cricketing point of view. He mentioned that the series was intense and went down to the last session in Sydney, with Australia emerging victorious after a tough battle. Usman Khawaja's comment about being "Bumrah'ed" highlighted the intensity of the contest, with Jasprit Bumrah taking 32 wickets and being named Player of the Series.
Boland, who made his Test debut for Australia in 2021, has impressed with his consistent performances despite being part of a bowling attack featuring accomplished bowlers like Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood. With 56 wickets from 13 Tests at an exceptional average of 17.66, Boland's record stands as one of the best in Test history. His Test bowling average is the eighth-best overall and the best since the First World War (1914-1918) among bowlers with at least 50 Test wickets.
In comparison to contemporary bowlers with 50 or more Test wickets, Boland's average is only bettered by Australia's Charlie Turner, with Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, and Kyle Jamieson following closely behind.
Ashwin's analysis underscores the importance of Boland's contribution and highlights the competitive nature of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which continues to be one of the most thrilling contests in world cricket.
