Scott Boland was the standout performer on day 1 of the fifth Test match between Australia and India at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). The pitch, which was more helpful for bowlers than usual, gave Boland the perfect opportunity to shine. While he may not bowl as fast as some of Australia’s other bowlers, like Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc, Boland's accuracy and skill made a big impact.

Boland, 35 years old, has often been seen as a backup bowler behind the likes of Cummins and Starc. He was even replaced by Josh Hazlewood in the second match of this series after Hazlewood returned from injury. But Boland proved his value by stepping up when Hazlewood was injured again, making a huge difference with his steady and effective bowling. Despite not having the pace of his teammates, Boland has consistently been a threat with his ability to bowl in the right areas and move the ball effectively.

A key moment in the match came when Boland took two wickets in back-to-back deliveries. First, he dismissed Rishabh Pant, who had been batting well and had scored 40 runs. Boland bowled a short ball, and Pant tried to pull it but mistimed the shot, sending the ball high in the air. Pat Cummins caught it at midwicket. This wicket was crucial, as Pant had been one of India’s main threats with the bat.

Sunil Gavaskar’s to Rishabh Pant....!!

"Stupid Stupid Stupid" pic.twitter.com/I801TlKlxt

— ICC Asia Cricket (@ICCAsiaCricket) January 3, 2025

Just one ball later, Boland struck again, removing Nitish Kumar Reddy for a duck. Reddy was facing his first ball and was bowled out by Boland, putting India in further trouble. These two quick wickets shifted the momentum in Australia’s favor and highlighted Boland's skill and composure.

💥WICKET:🎳🎯
Boland to Nitish Reddy, out Caught by Smith!! From the highs of Melbourne to a first-ball duck at Sydney. That is Test cricket for you *Nitish Reddy c Smith b Boland 0(1)🎯🇮🇳🔰#AUSvsIND #RohitSharma #ViratKohli𓃵 #Rishabpant pic.twitter.com/rfAYHGlv66

— Prince sanu🇵🇰 (@princesanu_56) January 3, 2025

Before these wickets, Boland had already taken the important wickets of Virat Kohli and Yashasvi Jaiswal. Kohli was caught after edging a ball from Boland, and Jaiswal was out for just 10 runs.