Australia fast bowler Scott Boland was always going to be the centre of attraction whilst playing the Boxing Day Test match against South Africa at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
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Having picked match-winning bowling figures in his debut Test at this very venue exactly a year ago, Boland returned to play a Test at his home ground after a year today. With first-choice fast bowler Josh Hazlewood not attaining optimum fitness ahead of this match, Boland was always going to be selected to play his sixth Test.
Introduced into the attack for the first time as a first-change bowler in the ninth over, Boland was the first Australian bowler to pick a wicket in the first session. It all happened on the 10th delivery that he bowled as South Africa opening batter Sarel Erwee (18) edged a Boland delivery to Usman Khawaja at third slip.
Having right away justified Cummins’ both decisions of electing to bowl first and introducing him into the attack, Boland drawing first blood was followed by Australia picking three more wickets in the morning session.
Scott Boland statue spotted at the MCG on Boxing Day
Among the rare indigenous or aboriginal Australian Test cricketers, Boland’s mere presence at the MCG was a motivation enough for fans to cheer loudly for him and the Australian team. Fans’ excitement had increased to another level after him picking a wicket in only his second over.
In addition to just rooting for Boland, fans had also brought with them a statue of the 33-year old player to the stadium. It was while Boland was fielding near the boundary ropes that a statue of his was brought to light by the cameraman.
Although Boland picked a lone wicket in his 14 overs on Day 1, all-rounder Cameron Green’s maiden Test five-wicket haul played a vital role in bundling out the Proteas for 189 in 68.4 overs.
Green, who registered bowling figures of 10.4-3-27-5, dismissed both South African half-centurions in Marco Jansen (59) and Kyle Verreynne (52) to bring an end to the only impact-generating 112-run sixth-wicket partnership from the opposition.
