Trouble For Kohli, Gill! Australia's Surprise Weapon Revealed For Adelaide Test vs India
Virat Kohli with Shubman Gill [Source: @AkshatOM10/X]
After securing an emphatic 295-run victory in the first Test, India will collide in the second game of the ongoing five-match series against Australia on Friday. The high-voltage clash is scheduled at the Adelaide Oval in Adelaide, Australia.
Australia suffered a massive setback ahead of the second Test, with Josh Hazlewood being ruled out of the game due to a left side injury. However, the hosts have replaced him with Scott Boland, and the fast bowler will likely play a crucial role in this game due to the following reasons.
Why Will Scott Boland Be Australia's Surprise Weapon In 2nd Test?
Scott Boland's skill and accuracy
- Scott Boland is a like-for-like replacement for Hazlewood, as he keeps hitting the corridor of uncertainty more often than not.
- Apart from generating seam movement, Boland has a lethal three-quarter ball in his armour, making him a real threat to the Indian lineup under the lights.
- The fact that he has a Test economy of 2.79, even lesser than Cummins and Starc's, signifies his ability to keep things tight and keep the opposition under the pump.
Scott Boland's Terrific Record At Home
- Although Scott Boland has played only ten Tests, he has been incredible on home soil, scalping 28 wickets in six matches at a magnificent average of 12.21 and a strike rate of 33.25.
- These extraordinary numbers speak volumes for his prolific performance at home, which is why he could be a threat to the Indian batting lineup in Adelaide.
Scott Boland's Numbers Against Kohli, Rohit And Gill
- Most importantly, Scott Boland has troubled India's three best batters- Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill in Test cricket. While he has kept Rohit quiet, the Aussie seamer has dismissed Kohli and Gill three times combined in the purest format.
- Statistically, Kohli and Gill have managed only 15 runs at an average of five against Boland. Therefore, India's fate in this Test will pretty much be determined by how these three players tackle the Australian pacer with the pink ball.