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 all-rounder such as Beau Webster.
Scott Boland has made a strong case for himself as he has been fit since the last 18 months and now he has his eye set on playing the WTC final. 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.
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“I’m really happy with how my body’s feeling at the moment,” Boland said. “Pain free for probably the first time in about 18 months. So it’s feeling really good. as mentioned by ESPNCricinfo
“My goal for probably the last two months was just get myself and my body in the position where I can put my hand up and be ready to go if it goes my way. I probably felt like at the back end of the Shield season, my knee was sort of, not wearing away, but wasn’t going how I wanted to go. And I didn’t feel like I was bowling how I wanted. But now I feel like I’m in a really good spot that I can bowl how I want to bowl. It’s pulling up really well, so that’s all I can do, and I just want to make their decision as hard as possible.”
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“I felt like I had a couple of really strong games,” Boland said. “But Josh is obviously a world-class bowler. He’s one of the best bowlers in the world coming off a really good IPL. So I’m sure he’ll be wanting the same thing here. Obviously, we all want to play but there’s probably not room for all of us.”
