Australian fast bowler Scott Boland has secured his place in cricket history by achieving the best bowling average for Test cricketers since 1915, with a minimum of 2000 balls bowled in Test matches. This milestone was reached during the third Test against the West Indies at Sabina Park, where he recorded figures of 3-34, establishing a Test bowling average of 17.33.Only England’s Syd Barnes surpasses Boland’s record among bowlers since 1900, with six other bowlers from the 1800s ranking above him during cricket’s early years.
Australia, after scoring 225 in their first innings, dominated with their pace attack by dismissing West Indies for 143, securing a first-innings lead.Boland’s performance included crucial wickets, beginning with West Indies top-scorer John Campbell who was dismissed for 36. He also claimed Shai Hope’s wicket at 23 and later dismissed Shamar Joseph, helping Australia establish an 82-run lead.The West Indies responded strongly in the evening session, reducing Australia to 99/6 in their second innings. The tourists held a lead of 181 runs at stumps on day two.
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Australia maintains an advantage with Cameron Green unbeaten on 42 and captain Pat Cummins on 5, aiming to extend their lead beyond 220 on the third day.The current statistics place Boland at the top of Test bowlers since 1915, with 59 wickets at an average of 17.33. Following him are Bert Ironmonger (1928-1933) with 74 wickets at 17.97, Frank Tyson (1954-1959) with 76 wickets at 18.56, Axar Patel (2021-Present) with 55 wickets at 19.34, and Jasprit Bumrah (2018-Present) with 217 wickets at 19.48.Australia now looks to build on their position with four wickets remaining in their second innings, holding a lead that could prove decisive in the match’s outcome.
