Australian pacer Scott Boland has named the most challenging batter he has faced in his short Test career ahead of the marquee Boxing Day Test against England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, starting Friday, December 26. The right-arm quick picked India’s Rishabh Pant, citing the wicketkeeper-batter’s unpredictable style as the toughest to bowl to.
Pant came up against the Melbourne-born bowler for the first time in Tests during India’s tour of Australia in late 2024. Although Boland dismissed Pant twice, he played a key role in Australia reclaiming the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Despite featuring in only three of the five Tests, Boland ended the series as the third-highest wicket-taker with 21 wickets at an impressive average of 13.19.
During a recent rapid-fire session conducted by Grassroot Cricket Round, the 36-year-old was asked by a junior female cricketer to name the toughest batter he has bowled to, to which he replied:
“Rishabh Pant from India. He’s someone who’s very unpredictable. So, I feel like sometimes he slogs you for six and you bowl the same ball and he blocks it. So, he is very hard to bowl to.”
Boland Expected To Feature In Boxing Day Test XI
With Pat Cummins opting out of the Boxing Day Test, Scott Boland is expected to feature as one of Australia’s main fast bowlers against England. The experienced seamer is currently the third-highest wicket-taker of the series, having claimed 11 wickets at an average of 28.09. Captain Steve Smith has confirmed an all-pace bowling attack for the Melbourne Test, making Boland and Mitchell Starc strong picks.
The remaining two spots in the pace unit are being contested by Jhye Richardson, Brendan Doggett, and Michael Neser. Meanwhile, England, already trailing 0–3 and having conceded the Ashes, have made two changes to their XI. Gus Atkinson has come in for the injured Jofra Archer, while Jacob Bethell replaces Ollie Pope at No. 3 in the batting order.
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