Australian cricketer Scott Boland, 37, has been included in the 16-player Test squad for the three-match series in South Africa, which commences in October 2026. His selection signifies his first visit to South Africa since October 2016, when he played the final of his 14 ODIs in Cape Town.
In 2016, Scott Boland sole prior exposure in South Africa was during the 2016 ODI tour, during which Australia’s bowling attack was inexperienced, and the team ultimately suffered a 5-0 series loss. His average was 34.20, and he took five wickets in three matches during that series, with an economy rate of 6.33.
Prior to his Test debut on December 26, 2021, Boland did not participate in another white-ball international for Australia following the 2016 tour. He subsequently went five years without playing international cricket. On July 14, 2025, at Sabina Park in Jamaica, he became the first Indigenous Australian to achieve a hat-trick in Test cricket, thereby solidifying his position as a critical member of Australia’s Test establishment. October 2026 will feature a three-Test series, with matches taking place in Johannesburg from October 27 to 31 and in Gqeberha from October 18 to 22.
For the South Africa tour, how has Scott Boland prepared?
In August 2026, Scott Boland did not participate in Australia’s Test series against Bangladesh, despite having completed an eight-week bowling block in preparation for the matches. The selectors and medical personnel determined that he would take a two-week break after that series before completing a subsequent three-week training block. The preparation plan is indicative of a more systemic change in Boland’s approach to cricket. He provided an explanation:
On Friday, September 27, 2026, Scott Boland will participate in a domestic 50-over match for Victoria against New South Wales at the Junction Oval, in the company of Glenn Maxwell, prior to departing for South Africa on Sunday, September 28,. Only his third domestic 50-over game in the past three years and his first in 18 months will be played.
What is the potential significance of Scott Boland in the Test series?
The selectors were mindful of the fact that Keshav Maharaj and Simon Harmer took 14 wickets between them in Durban in 2022, which is why Australia has included Matthew Kuhnemann as a second spinner in the squad. Nevertheless, when that Test was conducted in late March, the surface was considerably worn. In late November 2024, Marco Jansen bowled Sri Lanka out for 42 in the most recent Test in Durban, taking 11 wickets for the match, including 7 for 13 in the first innings.
Australia may establish a four-man pace attack consisting of Boland, Cummins, Starc, and Hazlewood for the first time since they defeated the West Indies for 27 in a pink-ball game in Jamaica, given that three Tests are scheduled to commence at the beginning of the South African season in October. It is uncertain how much Boland will perform during the tour.
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Scott Boland has extensive experience in carrying out lengthy bowling builds in anticipation of Test series in which he may not ultimately appear. His final preparation prior to the squad’s departure is his domestic match against New South Wales, which follows the same structured lead-up to the South Africa tour.
