December 28, 2024: Scott Boland is confident that Australia is still in a strong position to win the Boxing Day Test against India, despite a rain-affected third day that saw the game interrupted and only four Indian wickets taken. With two days left in the match, Australia leads by 116 runs, and Boland believes his team is well-placed to take control of the game and push towards victory.
Boland acknowledged the challenges posed by the weather on Saturday, but he expressed optimism, saying, “We’re leading by 115 (116) runs, so we are in a pretty strong position. Obviously, it could have been better, but I think that’s how Test match cricket ebbs and flows.” His assessment reflects the fluctuating nature of Test cricket, where conditions can change rapidly and lead to unexpected turns in fortune.
Australia’s first priority when play resumes on Sunday will be to dismiss India’s final batter and wrap up the Indian innings. This task could prove tricky with Nitish Kumar Reddy still at the crease, unbeaten on 105 after a memorable maiden Test century on Day 3. Boland acknowledged the challenge Reddy poses, but remains confident that Australia’s bowlers can get the job done. “Hopefully tomorrow morning we get that first wicket and then put on a really nice lead and see how the game plays after that,” he said.
Boland has been one of Australia’s standout performers, taking three wickets in India’s first innings. Alongside fellow bowlers Pat Cummins (3/86) and Nathan Lyon (2/88), Boland has played a pivotal role in Australia’s strong position. With the MCG pitch offering some assistance to bowlers, Boland is hopeful that the conditions will continue to favor his side in the final stages of the match.
While Lyon is traditionally Australia’s primary weapon on the final day of a Test, especially when the pitch starts to offer more turn, Boland believes the MCG pitch may behave a little differently. “I’m not too sure if it’s going to spin too much more,” Boland said, noting the significant amount of grass still on the pitch. “There’s a decent amount of grass on there, so I’m definitely hoping it spins a lot more,” he added. However, Boland also hopes for “some variable bounce” as the pitch becomes more worn on the final day, which could help the bowlers create more opportunities for wickets.
With Australia leading by 116 runs and India’s resistance built around Reddy’s century, the stage is set for an exciting final two days at the MCG. Boland’s experience at his home ground and the weather conditions will play a key role in how the game unfolds, with both teams eyeing a crucial victory in the World Test Championship race.
