Striking early in his opening spell, Gulidjan fast bowler Scott Boland has delivered Australia their first wicket of the Boxing Day test.
After challenging South Africa openers Dean Elgar and Sarel Erwee's defence from the outset, the MCG cult hero struck partway through the second over of his opening spell.
He dismissed the left handed Erwee after the opener attempted to drive a length ball on the up, delivered around the wicket by Boland, leaving him late and catching the edge.
Who else, but Scott Boland!
His first wicket gets the MCG heaving! #OhWhatAFeeling #AUSvSA | @Toyota_Aus pic.twitter.com/XOFNGnli7M
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 26, 2022
The dismissal was completed by Usman Khawaja, who took a sharp catch low to his left at 3rd slip.
The Gulidjan quick almost doubled his tally in his very next over with South African captain Dean Elgar defended a shorter Boland delivery, the ball rolling back off his bat and body and nudging off stump, only for the bails to remain unbroken.
"He's been a good boy!"
Fortune for Dean Elgar #AUSvSA pic.twitter.com/o4gUrixOQl
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 26, 2022
Boland was introduced into the attack after nine overs following captain Pat Cummins winning the toss and opting to bowl first for the second consecutive match.
"I wouldn't say it's as green as the Gabba, but it looks like a good wicket," Cummins said at the toss.
"Here at the MCG the wicket just gets better and better. It doesn't look like a raging green seamer so we'll see how we go."
Boland retained his place in the side for the Test in which he debuted last year after veteran Australian quick Josh Hazlewood ruled himself out as he continues to recover from a side-strain injury.
More to come.
