Scott Boland becomes oldest player to take 50 Test wickets since 1975

Australian pacer Scott Boland has carved a place for himself in cricket history. On the opening day of the Sydney Test against India, Boland took his 50th Test wicket. At 35 years and 267 days, he is now the oldest fast bowler to reach this milestone since 1975. Add to that his incredible bowling statistics (an astonishing average of 18.64 and a strike rate of 40.3), it is clear that this achievement is something special. .

Boland reached the milestone in just 24 innings, sealing the moment by dismissing Nitish Kumar Reddy. Earlier in the day, he got rid of Rishabh Pant, once again showing his talent for breaking key partnerships when it matters most. When Boland picked up his 50th wicket, the entire SCG applauded for the right-arm pacer.

Elite bowling averages in Australian history

Boland’s figures place him among the legends of Australian cricket. Among bowlers with at least 50 Test wickets, his average of 18.64 ranks fourth.

Top Australian bowling averages (minimum 50 wickets):

• 16.53 – Charlie Turner
• 17.97 – Bert Ferretero
• 18.41 – Fred Spofforth
• 18.64 – Scott Boland

The king of strike rate

Not just averages, Boland’s hit rate is a record. His mark of 40.3 is the best for any Australian bowler with 50+ wickets, surpassing legends such as Fred Spofforth and Pat Cummins.

Best bowling strike rates for Australia (minimum 50 wickets):

• 40.3 – Scott Boland
• 44.5 – Fred Soffforth
• 45.1 – Jack Saunders
• 46.7 – Pat Cummins

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Consistency against top hitters

Boland has earned a reputation for dismissing top batsmen. Virat Kohli tops his list of frequent victims; Boland dismissed him four times in the Tests. Other notable players including Joe Root and Shubman Gill have also fallen victim to his precise deliveries.

Most batsmen dismissed by Scott Boland in Tests:

• Virat Kohli: 4 dismissals.
• Joe Root: 4 dismissals.
• Shubman Gill: 3 dismissals.
• Zak Crawley: 3 dismissals.
• Jonny Bairstow: 3 dismissals.

Boland’s inclusion in the series came as a replacement for the injured Josh Hazlewood. Far from merely filling in, Boland has strengthened his case for a regular place in Australia’s playing XI.

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