How Scott Boland went from No.11 to opening batsman on a crazy fourth Ashes Test at the MCG
After the last haul in 2017, when former England opener Alastair Cook broke a poor run with a record 244, the MCG ground has turned 180 degrees in two Ashes cycles. If the recent advances in seam-friendly fabrics become a tradition rather than a trend, Cook’s brand will outlast all of us.
On a cool morning more suited to the venue’s winter game, Page was in a jovial mood at the MCC breakfast, joking that summer hadn’t yet arrived in Melbourne. This didn’t make it any easier for him.
Scott Boland was relieved to first see the lush green grass on the pitch at the MCG and then took advantage of the conditions to trap Harry Brook lbw for one over.Credit: Getty Images
Melbourne’s fickle weather poses an occupational hazard for curators. Knowing that his performance will not deteriorate, Page makes the mistake of choosing the sailors early.
Batting error was responsible for enough of the 20 wickets taken for this not to be left entirely in the curator’s lap. 19 fell on the first day in Perth, which still has the highest possible rating from the International Cricket Council.
CA chief Todd Greenberg said he hoped the Melbourne Test would come to a fifth day, as it did in Adelaide last week, and that pitching staff would be held responsible if a well-turfed pitch resulted in an early finish, and selectors would be held responsible if Australia’s attack was unbalanced due to a lack of spin.
“We want cricket wickets that balance bat and ball,” Greenberg said. “We have a lot of confidence in the field, the team here, the people and the experts. “We will all be held accountable, players, managers, and we will all be held accountable for our performances.
The MCG crowd shows their appreciation for Scott Boland.Credit: Justin McManus
“This is another big performance over the next five days, hopefully it takes five days, but these guys know what they are doing when they take cricket wickets and I have no doubt that our selectors and coaching staff also know what they are doing with their selections.”
The idea of opening with a tailor is one that Australia has long considered but rarely implemented.
Loading
Neser called it “preposterous.” If a wicket is to fall, it is best at No.11 rather than the opener. However, it is also worth noting that Boland was at the bottom of the order with just one ball in Australia’s first innings.
“I never thought I would start the batting in front of 95,000 with Travis Head at G,” Boland said on Triple M. “It was great.
“When you’re in that position, with just one out, you want to protect your hitters. I was happy to go out there.”
News, results and expert analysis from the sports weekend delivered every Monday. Sign up for our sports newsletter.
