Scott Boland has been picked in the Australia Prime Minister’s XI squad for a tour game against India after the opening Test of the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy at Perth.
Boland has an opportunity to push his case for a spot in the playing XI for the day-night Test in Adelaide starting December 6 after he was picked in the Prime Minister’s XI squad for next week's tour fixture against India at Canberra.
The two-day day-night match at Manuka Oval will start on November 30. It will provide crucial preparation for India ahead of the second Test in Adelaide, their first pink-ball match in nearly three years.
Boland, part of Australia’s squad in the ongoing Perth Test, hasn’t been named in the playing XI. The hosts have instead opted for their seasoned pace trio of Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins. The Victorian pacer can get some crucial game time under his belt, having just played two first-class matches this summer, for Australia A against India A earlier this month.
Ravindra Jadeja ❌
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Why have India left out both Ashwin and Jadeja for the Perth Test?
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The pacer made his Test debut in Melbourne during the 2021 Ashes and was an instant hit. He picked up 6-7, allowing Australia to wrap up the series 3-0. The pacer also played the final two Tests, finishing the series with 18 wickets at an average of 9.55. His ability to seam the ball and keep it tight set him apart.
"We are utilising the opportunity to maintain Scott Boland’s match fitness in his preparations as part of the Test squad," said chief selector George Bailey. "We thank the Prime Minister for his input into the squad which sees some of the country’s most exciting young cricketers mixed with some highly experienced players."
Matt Renshaw, who opened for Australia in the past, is also included in the squad after hitting a century in the Sheffield Shield last week, along with teenage sensation Sam Konstas. Jack Edwards will captain the PM's XI team.
Prime Minister's XI squad
Jack Edwards (c), Charlie Anderson, Mahli Beardman, Scott Boland, Jack Clayton, Aidan O'Connor, Ollie Davies, Jayden Goodwin, Sam Harper, Hanno Jacobs, Sam Konstas, Lloyd Pope, Matthew Renshaw, Jem Ryan
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