GQEBERHA, South Africa : Scott Boland marked his return to Test cricket with a four-wicket haul as Australia took control of the second Test against South Africa in Gqeberha on Monday, underlining his value to the side despite limited opportunities.
Playing his first Test since January, the 37-year-old paceman claimed 4-31 to leave South Africa struggling at 97-5 on a rain-affected second day at St George’s Park.
Boland, who learned of his selection only minutes before the toss, wasted little time finding his rhythm as Australia pushed to seal the three-match series with a game to spare.
He dismissed Aiden Markram and David Bedingham with consecutive deliveries on the opening day before removing Marques Ackerman and Ryan Rickelton on Monday.
“Sometimes I’ll take 30 balls just jumping through my action,” Boland told reporters. “I did it the other day and it took six. I was feeling good.”
Playing his 20th Test, Boland has reduced his career bowling average to just over 18, the best among bowlers with at least 50 wickets since World War Two.
Australia’s oldest specialist Test fast bowler since Ray Lindwall in 1960, Boland insisted he had no plans to slow down.
“I feel like I can do it for as long as I can,” he said.
