In only three Tests at the Sydney Cricket Ground, Scott Boland is already putting up numbers not seen in more than a century.<\/p>\n
The seamer\u2019s devastating spell of 6-7 on debut in 2021 at the MCG against the old enemy will always likely be his best-remembered contribution in the Test arena.<\/p>\n
But his consistent success north of the Murray River has Boland in rare statistical air for bowlers to have taken at least 20 wickets at the SCG.<\/p>\n
Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today Arrow<\/a><\/p>\n After dismissing Joe Root LBW on Wednesday, Boland\u2019s Test bowling average at the ground dropped to 12, a benchmark not bettered in 134 years.<\/p>\n Only England\u2019s George Lohmann in the 19th century has a better SCG average, taking 35 wickets at a stunning 9.45, albeit in an era of uncovered wickets.<\/p>\n Of players to have taken 20 SCG scalps in the last 50 years, the closest to Boland is Aussie spinner Bob Holland, whose 21 wickets came at a comparatively expensive average of 20.5 in the 80s.<\/p>\n After his barnstorming Melbourne performance to end 2021, Boland followed up in the new year\u2019s Test in Sydney with match figures of 7-66 as England battled on for a draw.<\/p>\n He then tore through India in the decisive pink Test of 2025, taking a career-best 10-76 for the match and helping Australia seal the Border-Gavaskar trophy.<\/p>\n Not only has Boland taken his Sydney wickets cheaply, he\u2019s claimed them at record pace.<\/p>\n His strike rate of a wicket every 34 balls is superior to any other bowler in the history of the harbour city\u2019s famous Test venue.<\/p>\n At his home ground in Melbourne, Boland also has the best strike rate in history (30.5), but his average of nearly 14 only slots him into sixth position all-time, with one of those above being modern great Jason Gillespie.<\/p>\n Should the 36-year-old be immortalised in bronze at the end of his career, the sentimental would argue it should be alongside fellow Victorian Shane Warne.<\/p>\n But statistically, sharing statue space with northern rivals like Steve Waugh and Richie Benaud may be even more appropriate.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Update issued after shattered England captain hobbles off<\/p>\n 2 min read<\/p>\n