Boland shines in comeback as Victoria near Shield win

Victorian paceman Scott Boland asked plenty of questions of the NSW batters at the MCG. (James Ross/AAP PHOTOS)

Looking every part the predator who is right at home in his natural habitat, Scott Boland has relished returning to Sheffield Shield cricket at the MCG.

The Test quick has led the Victorian attack superbly, putting the home side on the verge of a convincing win over NSW.

At stumps on day three NSW were 6-185, needing another 198 for a miracle win, with Josh Philippe their last hope on 70 and Mitchell Starc (4no) with him at the crease.

After trapping young gun Sam Konstas lbw for two in the first innings, Boland claimed the crucial wicket of Steve Smith on Tuesday with another lbw that had the Test star fuming.

Steve Smith.
Steve Smith was furious after getting out for a duck in the NSW second innings against Victoria.

Boland was generating plenty of movement and Smith made the fatal mistake of leaving a ball that darted back and brushed his pad.

Smith, who only made three in the first innings, shook his head vehemently as he trudged off, but Boland was adamant it was the right call.

"It only has to hit the stumps when you don't use your bat like that, so, yeah," Boland said.

After not playing any Tests last summer, Boland needed six months off because of leg injuries.

But he always excels at the MCG and Boland is relishing his comeback.

"I'm not worried about my injury or body at all. I just feel a bit rusty," he said.

"Both my new-ball spells have been pretty good. I'm pretty happy with how it's gone so far."

Scott Boland.
Scott Boland has been impressive in his first game for Victoria after an extended injury lay-off.

Resuming on Tuesday at 4-90 in their second innings, Sam Harper (72) and Tom Rogers (59) put on 130 for the fifth wicket and steadily took the game away from NSW.

Late-innings cameos from Fergus O'Neill (33) and Todd Murphy (36) further frustrated the visitors, before Starc bowled them both to end the innings on 246.

"To get that, against a pretty strong NSW team, we're pretty happy with how we're going," Boland said.

Starc took 6-81 to show the left-arm quick's Test series preparations are on track. 

Konstas looked set for the big innings he needed to further his claim as a Test selection bolter, before a teenager's rush of blood cost him.

After hitting a boundary off Murphy, the next delivery he went down the track to the offspinner. Campbell Kellaway took a great diving catch at point from the top edge to dismiss Konstas for 43.

"He took his time, he has a nice technique, he batted well," Boland said of Konstas.

Boland and Will Sutherland have two wickets apiece, while O'Neill has continued his impressive form with bat and ball.

License this article

What is AAPNews?

For the first time, Australian Associated Press is delivering news straight to the consumer.

No ads. No spin. News straight-up.

Not only do you get to enjoy high-quality news delivered straight to your desktop or device, you do so in the knowledge you are supporting media diversity in Australia.

AAP Is Australia’s only independent newswire service, free from political and commercial influence, producing fact-based public interest journalism across a range of topics including politics, courts, sport, finance and entertainment.

What is AAPNews?
The Morning Wire

Wake up to AAPNews’ morning news bulletin delivered straight to your inbox or mobile device, bringing you up to speed with all that has happened overnight at home and abroad, as well as setting you up what the day has in store.

AAPNews Morning Wire
AAPNews Breaking News
Breaking News

Be the first to know when major breaking news happens.


Notifications will be sent to your device whenever a big story breaks, ensuring you are never in the dark when the talking points happen.

Focused Content

Enjoy the best of AAP’s specialised Topics in Focus. AAP has reporters dedicated to bringing you hard news and feature content across a range of specialised topics including Environment, Agriculture, Future Economies, Arts and Refugee Issues.

AAPNews Focussed Content
Subscription Plans

Choose the plan that best fits your needs. AAPNews offers two basic subscriptions, all billed monthly.

Once you sign up, you will have seven days to test out the service before being billed.

AAPNews Full Access Plan
Full Access
AU$10
  • Enjoy all that AAPNews has to offer
  • Access to breaking news notifications and bulletins
  • Includes access to all AAPNews’ specialised topics
Join Now
AAPNews Student Access Plan
Student Access
AU$5
  • Gain access via a verified student email account
  • Enjoy all the benefits of the ‘Full Access’ plan at a reduced rate
  • Subscription renews each month
Join Now
AAPNews Annual Access Plan
Annual Access
AU$99
  • All the benefits of the 'Full Access' subscription at a discounted rate
  • Subscription automatically renews after 12 months
Join Now

AAPNews also offers enterprise deals for businesses so you can provide an AAPNews account for your team, organisation or customers. Click here to contact AAP to sign-up your business today.

SEVEN DAYS FREE
Download the app
Download AAPNews on the App StoreDownload AAPNews on the Google Play Store