Who else but Scott Boland?
The first wicket of the Boxing Day Test against South Africa just had to be taken by the Victorian. It was written in the stars.
In the space of 12 months, Boland has transformed himself from a relatively unknown state cricketer to a national treasure. The 33-year-old became a household name last season after snaring 6-7 at the MCG to help Australia retain the urn.
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Boland has been a marvel in the Test arena since that unforgettable debut, taking 25 wickets in five matches at an average of less than 11.
He is adored not just for his impeccable performances in Australian whites, but his soft-spoken nature and humility. There’s absolutely no ego. Every chance to represent his country is cherished.
The imminent return of Josh Hazlewood threatened to rob Melbourne’s cricket fans of another opportunity to witness Boland ply his trade in the baggy green, but the New South Welshman didn’t recover from his side strain in time for Boxing Day.
The MCG spectators were engrossed by Boland’s every move on Monday morning. As the Australian starting XI was introduced over the venue’s loudspeakers, Boland comfortably received the loudest cheer.
Following the national anthems, Bay 13 erupted when he approached the fine leg boundary rope in preparation for the opening delivery of the match.
An even bigger cheer roared from the stands when Boland retrieved the Kookaburra from deep square leg a few minutes later. He could do no wrong. Every action deserved a round of applause.
Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins opened the bowling but couldn’t muster a breakthrough in the first 45 minutes. Proteas captain Dean Elgar and opening partner Sarel Erwee weathered the storm, helping get South Africa’s Test match off to a promising start.
But once the ball started seaming rather than swinging, Cummins turned to the local hero. The words everyone wanted to hear echoed from the loudspeakers: “Change of bowler, Scott Boland.”
Another jubilant roar of approval. The Kookaburra was finally in his hands, and he only needed 10 deliveries to work his magic.
After initially dropping short and overcompensating with a half-volley, Boland tempted Erwee into the extravagant off-drive that caught the outside edge and flew directly towards Usman Khawaja at third slip, who claimed the catch inches from the turf.
Boland raised an index finger before pumping his fists. The humble paceman was mobbed by his teammates as the MCG went berserk.
“Erwee is furious with himself, because they had left so well and played so well,” former New Zealand wicketkeeper Ian Smith said on Fox Cricket commentary.
“They’d almost got through to drinks, South Africa, which was mission No. 1. But he pushed wide at this delivery on the up and he’s brought Australia into play.
“One mistake and the world’s best side will make you pay – and it’s Scotty Boland at home.
“They’ve brought the crowd right into this match.”
South African legend Shaun Pollock continued: “You know in general Boland is going to hit the perfect length – and he did again. His unbelievable ability to pick up wickets in this Test arena continues.
“The fact that he comes on with the expectation that’s on his shoulders these days when he comes to the MCG – and 1.4 overs in and he delivers. He gets that breakthrough Australia were desperate for. He’s the man.”
Boland was unlucky not to have another scalp in his following over. Elgar tentatively prodded at a length delivery that gently rolled back into the stumps, but the bails were unmoved. Replays on the big screens prompted another chorus of oohs and aahs from Bay 13.
It didn’t matter in which corner of the MCG Boland fielded during the morning session, his mere presence was met with cheers and applause. Not since Boxing Day 2006, when Shane Warne was on the verge of 700 Test wicket, has a cricketer been treated with such overwhelming admiration.
And of course, the soft-spoken Victorian responded to every cheer with a sheepish smile and a gentle wave of appreciation.
“It’s been awesome,” Boland said during the lunch break.
“Such good support. Victoria, the sporting capital.”
