Australian fast bowler Scott Boland, who emerged as one of the chief architects of India’s downfall during the most recent Border-Gavaskar Trophy, has opened up about the toughest batting challenge he has faced in his Test career. Speaking ahead of the high-profile Boxing Day Ashes 2025-26 Test against England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Boland reflected on the batter who consistently tested his skills and forced him to rethink his plans.
Scott Boland shares the toughest batter he’s bowled to and his most memorable Test wicket
The Melbourne-born seamer Boland was instrumental in Australia reclaiming the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, producing match-defining spells and finishing among the leading wicket-takers despite featuring in only three Tests. His ability to exploit home conditions and apply relentless pressure made him one of India’s most difficult opponents during the series. Only later did Boland reveal that the batter who troubled him the most was India’s Rishabh Pant. The Australian explained that Pant’s unpredictability sets him apart from most top-level batters, making it extremely difficult for bowlers to settle into a rhythm.
Pant first faced Boland during India’s tour of Australia at the end of 2024. Although Boland dismissed the wicketkeeper-batter twice, each contest was a constant battle of adjustments. Despite his limited appearances, Boland ended the series as the third-highest wicket-taker with 21 wickets at an outstanding average of 13.19, underlining his impact. During a recent rapid-fire segment organized by Grassroot Cricket Round, Boland was asked by a junior female cricketer to name the toughest batter he has bowled to. The 36-year-old did not hesitate in his response and elaborated on why the Indian stood out:
“Rishabh Pant from India. He’s someone who’s very unpredictable. Sometimes he slogs you for six, and you bowl the same ball again and he just blocks it. So, he is very hard to bowl to.” Boland said.
In the same interaction, Boland also revealed that his favourite Test wicket was that of Virat Kohli, whom he dismissed in the second innings of the Sydney Test.
Boland’s clinical performance for Australia in the Ashes 2025-26 vs England
In the ongoing Ashes series, Boland has once again proven to be a relentless force for Australia, helping the hosts secure an unassailable 3-0 lead within just 11 days of play. Throughout the first three Tests, the Victorian seamer has been remarkably consistent, claiming 11 wickets at a clinical average of 18.14 across 90.5 overs.
His campaign began with a decisive impact in the first Test at Perth, where he dismantled England’s middle order in the second innings with figures of 4/33, removing key batters like Ben Duckett and Harry Brook in a devastating spell. Boland continued his disciplined work in Adelaide, providing crucial breakthroughs in the third Test with match figures of 3/45 to help retain the urn. His economy rate remains a standout at 3.40, reflecting his ability to build immense pressure by rarely missing his length.
Entering the Boxing Day Test at the MCG, the scene of his legendary debut, Boland has already made his mark on day one by trapping Harry Brook LBW for 41 and other batters including Jamie Smith and Will Jacks. As of the fourth Test, he sits as the series’ third-highest wicket-taker, trailing only Mitchell Starc and Brydon Carse. With 14 wickets now tallied following the first day in Melbourne, Boland remains the ultimate horses for courses specialist in Australian conditions.
