Scott Boland Achieves Career Milestone After Sydney Test Heroics

Australian pacer Scott Boland has reached a historic milestone in his career following a stellar performance in the Sydney Test against India. Boland, who claimed 10 wickets in the match—four in the first innings and six in the second—now holds the best bowling average in men’s Test cricket since the First World War, according to Wisden.

The Sydney Test marked a significant victory for Pat Cummins-led Australia as they reclaimed the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after a 10-year gap. Boland's contributions were instrumental, with the bowler taking 21 wickets in three matches at an average of 13.19, including dismissing Indian star Virat Kohli four times in the series. His best figures came in Sydney, where he recorded 6/45.

Boland’s Career Stats

• Tests: 13 matches, 56 wickets, average 17.66, best figures 6/7
• ODIs: 14 matches, 16 wickets
• T20Is: 3 matches, 3 wickets

Boland’s Test bowling average of 17.66 is the eighth-best in the history of Test cricket and the best since the First World War among bowlers with a minimum of 50 Test wickets. The all-time best average belongs to England’s George Lohmann, who took 112 wickets at 10.75 between 1886 and 1896.

For Australian bowlers, only Charles Turner has a better Test bowling average, with 101 wickets at 16.53. Among modern-day bowlers with at least 50 Test scalps, Boland leads a competitive list that includes Axar Patel (55 wickets at 19.34), Jasprit Bumrah (205 wickets at 19.40), and Kyle Jamieson (80 wickets at 19.73).

Historic Series Performance

Boland’s dominance throughout the Border-Gavaskar series highlighted his value as Australia’s strike bowler. His ability to consistently deliver breakthroughs ensured Australia’s success in clinching the trophy.

Meanwhile, in the women's game, Australia’s Betty Wilson holds the best Test bowling average with 68 wickets at 11.80 in 11 matches, a testament to her enduring legacy in cricket.

Boland's remarkable rise in Test cricket continues to redefine standards, earning him a well-deserved place among the game’s greats.