Ranking Doug Bollinger’s top 3 performances in Test cricket

Doug Bollinger was one of the best bowlers who could not play a lot at the highest level. The left-arm pacer operated at good line and length and was accurate enough to trouble the batters. He occasionally swung the ball and could extract a bit of an extra bounce from the surface. His best performances came in the IPL with CSK where he helped the top side to win back-to-back seasons with his bowling.

At the highest level, he did not play a lot. Doug represented Australia in 12 Tests, 39 ODIs, and 9 T20Is, making him gain a total of just 60 international caps. A bowler of his calibre played a lot less at the highest level. Despite not playing a lot, Bollinger bowled well whenever he got a chance. He bowled some memorable spells and won a lot of matches for Australia with his bowling.

Here are the three best bowling performances of Doug Bollinger in Tests.

3. 4/72 and 2/32 vs Pakistan

It was the second Test of the series between Australia and Pakistan. In the New Year Test in Sydney, Bollinger turned out to be the difference between the two sides. Batting first, Australia was reduced to a paltry total of 127 runs. Mohammad Asif claimed 6 wickets and shined. Australia didn’t bowl that well in the first innings.

It was Doug who kept them in the game with his spell of 4/72 in the first innings. Pakistan scored 333 runs. Australia replied with 381, thanks to good innings from Shane Watson and Michael Hussey. Defending 176, Doug claimed 2/32 and helped the home side win the match by 36 runs. Bollinger claimed a total of 6 wickets in the match.

2. 5/70 vs West Indies 

It was the third Test between Australia and the West Indies at WACA. Batting first, the home side scored a massive total of 520/7 before declaring. On a flat wicket, the visiting side managed to put on just 312 runs. Bollinger bowled well and finished with figures of 5/70 in his 20 overs. Australia gained a massive lead of 208 runs.

In the second innings, Australia added 150 runs. The visiting side had to chase 358 runs on a deteriorating wicket. WI managed to score 323 runs. Doug shined with the ball yet again as he claimed 3/71 in his spell of 20.3 overs. Chris Gayle was the star of the match who smashed a terrific ton in the first innings.

1. 5/28 vs New Zealand

It was the first Test between Australia and New Zealand in 2010. Batting first, Australia posted a massive total of 459/5 before declaring their innings. The visiting side bowled exceptionally well and bowled out the home side for just 157 runs. Doug was the star of the show who claimed his career-best figures of 5/28.

NZ was handed a follow-on. The home side made a return by scoring 407 runs. Doug claimed 2 wickets in his second innings. Australia chased the target of 106 runs without losing a wicket. Bollinger played a key role in Australia’s away win. It was Michael Clarke who bagged the POTM award for his amazing hundred.

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