Scott Boland produced a blistering post-lunch spell on Day 2 of the Ashes 1st Test, dismantling England’s middle order with three wickets in just 11 deliveries. His latest strike came when Harry Brook, yet to get off the mark, edged one straight to Usman Khawaja at slip to depart for 0 off 3 balls.
England, who resumed the second session at 76/3, suddenly slipped to 76/4, extending Australia’s grip on the contest.
Brook’s dismissal was classic Boland — relentless length, subtle seam, and just enough lift to force the mistake. After squaring Brook up twice in the over, Boland angled one across the right-hander, found the outside edge, and Khawaja completed a safe low catch.
This wicket completed a remarkable turnaround from Boland, whose rhythm returned just before lunch and has since sparked an Australian fightback. In this session alone, the Victorian pacer has removed:
- Ben Duckett (28) – caught at second slip
- Ollie Pope (33) – loose drive to the keeper
- Harry Brook (0) – edging to Khawaja
England now lead by 116 runs, but with four wickets down and only Joe Root at the crease, Australia have stormed back into the contest.
The match has flipped dramatically — and Boland is the one who lit the fuse.
