Cricket world erupts over Scott Boland act amid ‘horrible’ scenes in fifth Test

Scott Boland played the hero once again for Australia on day two against a Jasprit Bumrah-less India at the SCG, taking four wickets in crazy scenes in the fifth cricket Test. The Aussies suffered a massive batting collapse to hand India a first innings lead in Sydney after they were bowled out for just 181 on Saturday.

But Boland then destroyed the Indian order for the second time in the game, taking 4-42 to leave India reeling at 6-141 at stumps and holding a lead of just 145. Boland grabbed the key scalps of Yashasvi Jaiswal (22), KL Rahul (13), Virat Kohli (6) and Nitish Kumar Reddy (4) in a devastating couple of spells, adding to his four wickets in the first dig.

But the prized scalp was Kohli, who has become Boland’s bunny. The Victorian took the wicket of the former India captain for the third time in the last four innings – this time in what is likely to be Kohli’s final bat on Australian soil.

Kohli thrashed his bat against his pad in anger after edging the ball to Steve Smith at second slip – a mode of dismissal that’s become all too familiar. Many at the SCG gave Kohli a standing ovation for his farewell to Australia, although a number of boos rang out due to the villainous role the Indian veteran has played in the series.

Most recently he celebrated in Sam Konstas’ face after the dismissal of Usman Khawaja late on day one. Kohli assumed the captaincy on Saturday after Jasprit Bumrah left the field and headed to hospital in disastrous scenes for the tourists.

India reveal Jasprit Bumrah suffering ‘back spasms’

Kohli produced some inspired captaincy in the field, but flopped with the bat when his country needed him most. It’s since been revealed that Bumrah was experiencing ‘back spasms’, but India weren’t willing to provide any more information about the extent of the injury.

Teammate Prasid Krishna said at stumps: “The medical team is monitoring him.” The 31-year-year old underwent surgery for a stress fracture in his back in 2023, and any recurrence would be treated very carefully.

India’s most potent bowler in the series sent down just one over in the second session on Saturday before leaving the field, and later exited the SCG in his training kit. The captain was then spotted entering a car and being driven out of the carpark behind an ambulance.

Indian great Ravi Shastri said on Fox Cricket: “This could have a massive bearing on the series if it’s something serious. You just got the feeling he wasn’t OK. When he had that animated chat with Virat Kohli…you knew it was more than just to change his boots. Something must have happened.”

Brett Lee added: “It’s horrible news. You don’t ever want to see your strike weapon get whisked away in a car going to get scans. That’s a massive moment in this series.”

Bumrah later returned to the SCG, but his availability for the remainder of the game is unknown. India need to win the series finale to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, but a loss or draw will hand it to Australia for the first time in 10 years.

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