![Scott Boland to be Joe Root's nightmare [Source: @Crex_live, @IndyEspanol/X.com]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1763475889059_Joe_Root_Scott_Boland_Ashes_2025.jpg?type=hq)
Scott Boland to be Joe Root's nightmare [Source: @Crex_live, @IndyEspanol/X.com]
When Scott Boland burst onto the Test scene during the 2021-22 Ashes, few could have predicted the kind of impact he’d have, especially on England’s batting maestro, Joe Root.
But within just a few games, Boland had carved out a reputation as one of Root’s toughest puzzles to solve.
When Boland tormented Root in Ashes 2021
| Criterion | Stats |
| Balls | 149 |
| Runs | 102 |
| Wickets | 4 |
| Average | 25.50 |
| Strike Rate | 68.45 |
(Table - Joe Root's stats vs Scott Boland in Tests)
In Ashes 2021-22, played in Australian conditions, Scott Boland dismissed Joe Root four times.
Each dismissal was different, but they all followed a familiar script, which is a consistent line, testing length, and just enough movement off the seam to trouble even a world-class batter.
Whether it was a nick to slip, a feather to the keeper, or a stump-splitting delivery, Boland had Root’s number.
The most memorable might have been in Hobart, where a low full delivery skidded through and knocked Joe Root over. It was clean, clinical, and symbolic of Australia’s dominance in that series.
Boland’s success wasn’t based on express pace or flashy variations. He’s the kind of bowler who thrives on repetition and precision.
Ball after ball, he lands it on a nagging length just outside off stump, daring the batter to play and punishing them when they do.
Against Joe Root, who loves to get on the front foot and drive, this strategy paid off. In 2021-22, Root struggled to impose himself, often second-guessing whether to play or leave, which led to mistakes.
Scott Boland saw a dip in the Ashes 2023
Fast forward to the Ashes 2023 in England, and the dynamic had shifted. Scott Boland didn’t have the same impact. In fact, he didn’t dismiss Joe Root even once in that series.
The Englishman had clearly done his homework. He used his feet more, often coming down the pitch or even playing unorthodox shots to upset Boland’s rhythm.
The confidence and control that were missing in 2021 had returned. Root wasn't just surviving, but he was taking the fight back to the bowler.
Will Joe Root survive Scott Boland’s carnage in Ashes 2025?
So, what does this mean for Ashes 2025? With Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood ruled out for the first Test scheduled at Perth, Scott Boland will be leading the pace attack.
Moreover, with the series returning to Australia, the balance could tilt again. Boland will be bowling in his backyard, where the bounce and seam assist his method perfectly.
Joe Root, meanwhile, will be keen to prove that he’s figured Boland out for good and aim for his maiden Test hundred in Down Under.
It’s not just a tactical battle. It’s mental. Both players know each other’s strengths and weaknesses now, and the smallest adjustments could make the biggest difference.
Fans, meanwhile, should keep a close eye on this matchup. It’s the kind of mini-contest within a big series that can shape momentum.
One early breakthrough or a gritty counterattack could swing an entire Test match. And every duel counts in an Ashes series because the stakes are always extremely high.
As the countdown to Ashes 2025 begins, Scott Boland vs Joe Root is shaping up to be one of the most fascinating player battles. Quiet precision against classy resilience, it’s the kind of cricket we all love to watch.
