by Scott Boland, Australia’s cult speed bowling hero, is known for his shy and introverted nature despite his cricket talent: but is he as modest as he looks?
The soft-spoken 33-year-old was hilarious by teammate Usman Khawaja getting a massage while wearing Speedos with a very unusual feature recently.
Instead of the usual rubber duckies, tropical design or eye-catching neon colors of the iconic Australian swimwear company, Boland opted for a tailored pair with himself.
The married father-of-two chose photos of himself playing test cricket and celebrating wickets with his teammates, leading Khawaja to caption his video ‘vanity’ along with a laughing face emoji crying.
Scott Boland was all smiles after taking a maiden three-wicket on day three of Australia’s Test against West Indies. It’s been an extraordinary year on the pitch for the 33-year-old
And hey, who can blame the snitch for wanting to celebrate his incredible year since his phenomenal 6/7 in his Boxing Day Ashes Test debut last year?
Given that Boland is truly one of the most modest and down-to-earth figures in Australian cricket, Channel 7 host Mel McLaughlin wondered if his choice of clothing was “normal”.
‘Usman Khawaja posted this story today on Instagram. It’s Scott Boland getting the massage, but starting with the budgie smugglers and, I don’t know if you missed it, it’s just pictures of Scott Boland on it,’ he said. she said while covering Australia’s win in the West Indies on Sunday.
“I just wonder – is this normal?”
Scott Boland, pictured with wife Daphne, opts for a bespoke pair of Speedos featuring his own face, instead of the swimwear company’s more traditional designs
Given that Team Australia’s “fast bowling cartel” is usually comprised of no-frills, no-frills characters, no would be the answer to that.
Glenn McGrath, Australia’s greatest fast bowler, seemed to indicate that was something he would have expected from a flashy hitter like Khawaja.
Usman Khawaja, pictured with wife Rachel and daughter Ayla, stitched up teammate Scott Boland when he posted a video on social media showing the tall, speedy bowler wearing parakeet smugglers with his own face
“I’m not sure that’s in the speed bowling cartel rule book – that’s something more than a batsman would do, you would have thought. But Scotty, he can do whatever he wants these days, can’t he? sneered McGrath, pointing to the unassuming Victorian’s extraordinary success on the pitch.
Another legendary Aussie fast – Damien Fleming – also suggested it was, dropping fellow commentator and drummer Greg Blewitt.
You’ll never catch Australian no-frills fast bowling legend Glenn McGrath sporting a pair of budgie smugglers with his own face on them
“Blewy, is this a marketing opportunity for you? he joked to Blewett on air.
‘Why is it coming back to me?’ asked the 46 Test veteran.
“Because Glenn just said it’s not in the nature of a fast bowling cartel to do that – they’re batsmen,” Fleming scoffed.
Given that the on-air banter ended with Blewitt agreeing that he would wear and “kiss” a similar pair, it’s safe to say that Boland is one of a kind.
Scott Boland celebrates Shamarh Brooks’ wicket on Saturday in his incredible spell against West Indies
After his iconic 6/7 against an ill-fated England side in last year’s Boxing Day Test when he rose to prominence for even the most casual cricket fan, Boland followed it up with another spell glittering in Adelaide.
The quick right-hand man netted a maiden three-wicket on Saturday with the pink ball in hand as Australia beat the West Indies by 419 runs.
That brings his almost unbelievable record to 21 wickets from four Tests to the paltry average of just 10.33.
For some it may come out of nowhere, but the most ardent cricketer followers will have a lifelong affection for Boland after his long Victorian and BBL career.
Scott Boland had a long and successful career at the state and BBL level before he could break into the Test side and make waves with his precise bowling.
The crafty fast middleweight played 153 games for Victoria at Shield and ODI level, and was one of the most consistent and accurate wicket-takers for most of a decade.
Unfortunately for him, he was parked behind the star trio of Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, meaning he was made to earn his baggy green in the best way possible.
Cricket Australia have announced that Hazlewood has succumbed to injury and will not play in the first Test against South Africa on December 17, so Boland will most likely retain his place.
He might need to get another pair of custom budgie smugglers made, such is the flurry of wickets he’s taking right now.
