Melbourne [Australia], December 24: Australian head coach Andrew McDonald has hinted that pacer Scott Boland is likely to be included in the playing XI for the upcoming Boxing Day Test against India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. With the series tied 1-1 and frontline pacer Josh Hazlewood sidelined due to injury, Boland’s precise line and length will be crucial to Australia’s chances in the ICC World Test Championship final.
Boland, who has taken 40 wickets in 11 Tests at an impressive average of 20.42, has proven his worth at the MCG, notably taking 6/7 on debut in 2021 against England. His strong record on Australian soil further bolsters his case, having claimed 33 wickets in just seven games at an average of 13.54.
Speaking ahead of the Test, McDonald stated, “If we did not pick Scotty here, and I am not allowed to declare the team, because that’s Pat’s (Cummins) job tomorrow, but I do not think I am coming to the ground on Boxing Day if Scotty is not the XI.”
Additionally, McDonald expressed confidence in Boland’s role and indicated that it is unlikely all-rounder Beau Webster will debut, given Mitchell Marsh’s ongoing presence and wicketkeeper-batter Alex Carey’s selection. He also touched upon the inclusion of pacer Jhye Richardson, who has been training with the squad, although it remains uncertain whether he will feature in the fifth Test due to the workload of frontline pacers Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc.
The Australian coach acknowledged the importance of carrying extra quick bowlers due to the short turnaround between Tests, but emphasized that Cummins and Starc are well-placed to handle the workload.
Australia’s squad for the Boxing Day Test includes: Pat Cummins (c), Sean Abbott, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Travis Head (vc), Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Jhye Richardson, Steve Smith (vc), Mitchell Starc, Beau Webster.