After Scott Boland took five wickets in Australia’s World Test Championship final victory, there has been significant debate over whether he should retain his place over Josh Hazlewood for the first Ashes Test, with ex-England captain Michael Vaughan saying Boland shouldn’t make the cut.
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The Australia seamer made his second appearance in a Test outside Australia in the landmark match at The Kia Oval. He took his first wicket of the game in just his second over, flattening Shubman Gill’s off stump.
Before the game, Australia’s main selection dilemma was over the balance of their quick bowlers, with Hazlewood still recovering after an injury. Although it has since been confirmed Hazlewood was available for selection, it was decided that he would be given ample time to rest ahead of the Ashes series, and that Boland would take his place in the side. Boland impressed during his Test appearances in Australia, where he has 28 wickets in six matches and averages 12.21.
Speaking on Fox Cricket’s Edgbaston Ashes preview on Monday (June 12), Brad Haddin, Ricky Ponting, Mark Waugh and Vaughan discussed the issue of Australia’s fast-bowler selection dilemma. Vaughan said: “(Bazball) has worked against most teams they’ve played, but this Australian team is different though. They’re a relentless bowling unit. They’ll try though. Scott Boland, they’ll be running at him like a spinner.”
In agreement with Vaughan, Ponting and Haddin thought it likely that Hazlewood would regain his position over Boland. Haddin said: “If there’s no doubt about Hazlewood breaking down … I think Hazlewood comes in. I think we’ve seen that … Boland has never played when Hazlewood is fit.”
Waugh took a more balanced approach, stating that after Boland’s impressive display against India it would be very difficult for Hazlewood, who has recently been plagued by injuries, to unseat Boland.
“If you said this 12 months ago that Hazlewood would be left out of the team, someone would think you’re mad,” Waugh said. “He’s very unlucky Hazlewood … but I think Boland has to play. Unfortunately I think Hazlewood has to miss out.”
However, Waugh did agree that the England batters would look to target Boland if he keeps his place, saying: “He is one bowler they will try and run down the pitch to. He doesn’t have the trajectory of Hazlewood or Cummins.”
