Scott Boland: Australia’s Ignored Legend with the Best Bowling Average
At 36, Scott Boland is not a household name like Mitchell Starc or Pat Cummins — but his stats say he should be. Despite being Australia’s most economical and effective Test bowler, Boland often finds himself warming the bench. With just 13 Test matches under his belt, he has picked up 56 wickets at a staggering average of 17.33, the best among pacers since 1915 (min. 2000 balls bowled). That’s not just a stat — it’s a loud question: Why is Scott Boland still not a regular in Australia’s playing XI?
The West Indies Series: Patience Rewarded
In the ongoing Test series against West Indies, Boland was once again overlooked in the first two Tests. With the series moving to Sabina Park, Jamaica for the third Test, he finally got a chance — only because other bowlers were rested or rotated. But Boland did what he always does: he delivered impact instantly.
3 Wickets in 1st Innings by Boland
Bowling his trademark accurate seamers, Boland dismissed key West Indies batsmen and tightened Australia’s grip on the match. With his figures, he etched another record under his name — becoming the fastest Australian to 55+ Test wickets in just 13 matches. Once again, the quiet warrior proved his worth.
The Numbers Don’t Lie
Let’s put things into perspective.
Best Bowling Averages (min. 2000 balls since 1915):
- Scott Boland – 17.33 (56 wickets in 13 Tests)
- Bert Ironmonger – 17.97
- Frank Tyson – 18.56
- Ajaz Patel – 19.34
- Jasprit Bumrah – 19.48
Despite such company, Boland has never had a consistent Test run. He is mostly played in dead rubbers, injury replacements, or “rest rotation” matches. And yet — he delivers every single time.
Late Bloomer, But a Game-Changer
Scott Boland’s career was never glamorous. He wasn’t a teenage sensation. He wasn’t picked up by big-name IPL teams. But he worked silently through Sheffield Shield, grinding for years with Victoria. His big break came during the 2021–22 Ashes, where he stunned England at the MCG with 6 for 7 on debut. Since then, he’s been part of the Test squad, but rarely the playing XI. Australia’s frontline of Starc, Cummins, and Hazlewood leaves little room. But whenever Boland is called — he doesn’t complain. He just strikes.
The Unsung Hero of Australia’s Fast Bowling Riches
Australia is blessed with pace depth. But Boland brings something different:
- Unbelievable control
- Consistency in line and length
- Minimal runs conceded per wicket
- Fitness at 36, better than some 26-year-olds
He’s also mentally unshakable. Whether bowling with a new ball or in a flat final session, Boland sticks to his plan and grinds out wickets. In a team full of alpha strike bowlers, Scott Boland is the silent sniper.
Time to Give Him a Full Series
Selectors and team management must rethink Boland’s role. With Cummins aging, Starc playing selectively, and Hazlewood’s injury record, Australia needs reliable workhorses for the next few years — and Boland is built for Test cricket. Why not give him:
- A full home series
- A starting spot in WTC matches
- Consideration for subcontinent tours, where tight bowling matters more than raw pace
A Message for Young Cricketers
Scott Boland’s story is one of:
- Patience
- Perseverance
- Performance under pressure
He’s not loud on social media, doesn’t do commercials and doesn’t lobby for selection.vHe lets his 17.33 average do the talking. Young fast bowlers in Australia, India, or anywhere should learn from Boland — that even if you’re picked late, consistency and hard work will write your legacy.
Conclusion: Respect the Stats, Respect Scott Boland
Scott Boland is more than a backup. He’s a record-breaker in disguise. An ignored legend who deserves more matches, more respect, and more recognition. It’s time for Australian cricket to look beyond the glam and give the guy with the golden average the place he has earned — not by hype, but by historic numbers.
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