'His ability to hit the stumps is a big plus' - Steve Smith extols Scott Boland after pacer's brilliant spell in first innings of WTC 2023 Final

Australia continued their domination in the World Test Championship Final 2023 as they dismantled the Indian top order to leave them reeling at 71/4 in reply to their massive first innings score of 469. The bowler who looked the most effective from Australia on Day 2 was Scott Boland.

The right-arm seamer picked up the wicket of the in-form batter Shubman Gill as he misjudged and left an incoming delivery that crashed into his stumps. Boland finished Day 2 as the pick of the bowlers for Australia as he scalped 1/29 in 11 overs. Following his brilliant performance, star batter Steve Smith stated that Boland’s ability to hit the stumps from shorter lengths makes him unique.

"I think the angles he provides and his ability to hit the stumps from slightly shorter (length) than some of our other bowlers is a big plus. It's something that I think (fellow squad member Michael) Neser can do as well. I know from having faced Scotty in the nets recently he's bowling very nicely," Smith said at a press conference.

Smith further said that shorter guys like Boland are a bit skiddier and give the ball more of a chance to move due to shorter lengths.

"Shorter guys are a bit skiddier so if there's any seam movement it gives the ball more of a chance to move and still hit the stumps, if that makes sense. The skills he (Boland) possesses are magnificent. He's certainly a quality prospect as we've seen over the last couple of years now, every time he's had his opportunity," he added.

Shardul Thakur and Ajinkya Rahane bail India out of trouble on Day 3

Boland continued his brilliant show as he gave his side their sixth strike on just the second ball of the day on Day 3 breaching through the defence of KS Bharat and destroying his stumps. He finished with figures of 2/59 in 20 overs as Australia bundled out India for 296 in the first innings.

Ajinkya Rahane (89) and Shardul Thakur (51) were the top scorers for India as they added 109 runs for the seventh wicket. Meanwhile, Australia got a massive lead of 296 runs in their second innings and will continue the proceedings on Day 4.