Australian pacer Scott Boland has etched his name in cricketing history by recording the best Test bowling average since 1915 among bowlers who have delivered at least 2,000 balls in the longest format of the game.
Boland achieved this rare feat during the ongoing third Test against the West Indies at Sabina Park, where he returned figures of 3 for 34 in the hosts’ first innings. With that performance, the 35-year-old now boasts a staggering Test average of 17.33 — the best by any bowler in the last 110 years under the qualifying criteria.
According to the ICC, only England legend Sydney Barnes ranks above Boland among bowlers since 1900. The other bowlers with better averages all played during the 1800s — in an era considered the formative years of Test cricket.
Boland’s spell helped Australia claw back into the contest after they were bowled out for just 225 in their first innings. The Victorian quick struck with trademark precision and seam movement, accounting for top-scorer John Campbell (36), who misjudged a ball that nipped back into the pads. Boland then removed Shai Hope for 23 with a delivery angled in sharply, and later cleaned up the tail by rattling Shamar Joseph’s stumps.
His efforts ensured the West Indies were dismissed for 143, giving Australia a handy 82-run lead on a lively Kingston pitch.
However, the hosts struck back in the final session, reducing Australia to 99 for 6 by stumps on Day 2. Despite the wobble, the visitors still hold a lead of 181, with Cameron Green (42*) and skipper Pat Cummins (5*) unbeaten at the crease. Australia will be eyeing a target in the region of 220–250 on Day 3 to push for a win.
Top Test bowling averages since 1915 (min. 2000 balls):
Scott Boland (2021–Present): 59 wickets @ 17.33
Bert Ironmonger (1928–1933): 74 wickets @ 17.97
Frank Tyson (1954–1959): 76 wickets @ 18.56
Axar Patel (2021–Present): 55 wickets @ 19.34
Jasprit Bumrah (2018–Present): 217 wickets @ 19.48
Boland’s rise has been nothing short of phenomenal. Since debuting in the 2021 Ashes, he has consistently delivered incisive spells, especially in seamer-friendly conditions. With every performance, he further cements his place among Australia’s most reliable red-ball bowlers.
As the Test hangs in the balance, one thing is already clear — Scott Boland’s name will now be forever linked with one of the most elite records in the history of Test cricket.
