Why is Scott Boland Opening in the Ashes 4th Test?

The Australian Cricket Team are locking horns with the England Cricket Team in the fourth game of the Ashes 2025-26. The penultimate match of the five-match series between the teams is taking place at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne. The opening day of the Boxing Day Test was nothing short of a box-office hit. As many as 20 wickets fell on the first day of the match, with both English as well as Australian bowlers making life tough for batters on a spicy pitch.

After Australia were asked to bat, they found it tough to get going with the bat. Josh Tongue was all over the opposition as he took a fifer and helped England bundle out the opposition for just 152 runs. Michael Neser top-scored for the hosts with 35. England then came up with the even worse batting performance. They got all out for just 110 with Michael Neser taking four wickets. Harry Brook fought fire with fire and top-scored for England with 41, but couldn’t take his team past Australia’s score. However, when Australia went on to bat for their 2nd innings, a new Australian opener was seen batting alongside Travis Head.

Why is Scott Boland Opening for Australia in the Ashes 4th test?

After England was folded for just 110, only one over was left in the day’s play. This made Australia come up with a safe strategy to save their batters. Out walked Scott Boland Night Watchman, along with Travis Head for one over so that the regular Australian Opener don’t lose their wickets.

Scott Boland had a nervy time on the crease as he edged the ball multiple times. But made sure that he did what he was asked to do. He was unbeaten at four as Australia ended day one with a lead of 46 runs.

Scott Boland Decent Performance with Ball

On his home ground, Scott Boland didn’t disappoint. He was the first change that Australia made and he bowled tight lines and lengths that troubled the England batters big time. Scott Boland broke the backbone of the England middle-order removing Harry Brook, who was going great guns. Then after that, he sent English keeper Jamie Smith and followed it up with the wicket of Will Jacks that left England reeling at 77/7.

Scott Boland returned with the figures of 3/30 in the nine overs that he bowled. He now would be keen to score some crucial runs with the bat and help Australia set a big target and help team win. Australia have already won the Ashes 2025/26 after their three incredible performances in the first three games. They would now be eyeing a 5-0 whitewash in the last two games of the series and show dominance in one of the greatest rivalry in cricket.