Pace Dominates in Kingston: Boland’s Record Feat Amid Aussie Batting Collapse
At Kingston’s Sabina Park, Australia fielded an all-pace attack — the first time in 12 years that a fully fit Nathan Lyon was left out of the playing XI. The bold call to play four fast bowlers in this pink-ball day-night Test has already paid off. Over the first two days, all 26 wickets have fallen to pace. Despite posting only 225 runs in the first innings, Australia managed to secure an 82-run lead and now find themselves in another batting collapse in their second innings. The dominance of pace continues in Kingston.
The Caribbean side, who ended Day 1 at 16 for 1, were bundled out for just 143 runs on the second day (Sunday night). The West Indian batters struggled to cope with the relentless Aussie pacers. John Campbell top-scored for the hosts with 36 runs, followed by Shai Hope with 23, and captain Roston Chase and Justin Greaves with 18 each. Only one other batter reached double figures — Brandon King, who managed 14 runs.
Scott Boland emerged as Australia’s most successful bowler, stepping in for Lyon and making history. He took 3 wickets for 34 runs in 13.1 overs. With this, Boland now holds the best Test bowling average over the last 110 years. Among bowlers who have delivered at least 2,000 balls since 1915, none have a better average than Boland. The 36-year-old right-arm seamer has taken 59 wickets in 14 Tests at an astonishing average of just 17.33.
Boland has surpassed fellow Aussie legend Bert Ironmonger, who claimed 74 wickets in 14 Tests at an average of 17.97 between 1928 and 1933. Since 1900, only England’s legendary bowler Sydney Barnes boasts a better Test average, having taken 189 wickets at 16.43.
Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood also shone alongside Boland, picking up 2 wickets each, while Beau Webster chipped in with one. On the first day, Mitchell Starc, playing his 100th Test, dismissed Kevlon Anderson.
Despite an 82-run lead, Australia are far from comfortable in their second innings. Under fire from the two Josephs, they crumbled to 99 for 6. Only Cameron Green has held firm, unbeaten on 42, with captain Cummins at the crease on 5*. Alzarri Joseph has claimed 3 wickets for 19 runs, Shamar Joseph has 2 for 26, and Justin Greaves picked up the remaining wicket. Australia’s overall lead now stands at 181 runs.
