Australian pacer Scott Boland mentioned that he is fit for the first time in 18 months and is targeting a return to the national team for the next World Test Championship (WTC) final against South Africa at Lord’s. The 36-year-old is keen to make a case for getting back into the side, particularly with things intensifying between him and Josh Hazlewood for a place in the playing XI.
Knee Issues Behind For Boland, WTC In Focus
Boland showed that a three-month hiatus from cricket served him finally to bounce back from recurring knee troubles that had beset him for more than a year. Following Victoria’s penultimate Sheffield Shield match in March, he took six weeks away from bowling or running and worked only on developing knee strength through gym work. That cautious rehab, he states, has made him feel stronger and more assured than he has for a long while.
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Solid Past Performances
Even after being awarded Player of the Match in his last Test outing against India in Sydney earlier this year, Boland has not played a game since. He was omitted on the Sri Lanka tour, when Australia preferred to play a spin-laden bowling attack. His best performances were in the 2022–23 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, where he took 21 wickets at a staggering average of 13 in three Tests in Hazlewood’s absence.
Boland also performed well in the 2023 WTC final, when he was chosen ahead of Hazlewood and responded with an outstanding display. However, with Hazlewood now fit and fresh from a great IPL season where he claimed 22 wickets at a meager average of 18—there is tough competition for Boland.
Selection Dilemma: Boland or Hazlewood
The Boland vs Hazlewood call is one of the biggest choice dilemmas for Australian team management leading into the WTC final. Though Hazlewood has regained his form and fitness, the selectors could remain cautious considering his past record of breaking down in two of his recent Tests. Boland, who is dependable and consistent, might be the beneficiary if the team decides to rest Hazlewood or opt not to play an allrounder such as Beau Webster.
Boland Out Of Action Since Long
One possible drawback for Boland is that he doesn’t have recent match exposure. In contrast to Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Hazlewood who have been playing in the IPL, Boland hasn’t been able to bowl competitively for months. While bowlers in the IPL are only called upon to bowl four overs per game, the rhythm and intensity derived from frequent gameplay can provide the others with an extra point of advantage.
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Josh Hazlewood’s Experience In Lords
Another onus against Boland is his lack of experience at Lord’s. He was omitted for the 2023 Ashes Test at the ground, whereas Hazlewood has an impressive record there—13 wickets in three Tests at an average of 26.15. His five wickets at the 2023 Lord’s Test ensured Australia a historic win against England.
Tough Job For Selectors
In spite of competition and outside influences, Boland is keen to prove his point. “I want to make their decision as tough as possible,” he said,believing his form, fitness and previous performances are testament enough.
