Allan Border has called for Scott Boland’s inclusion in Australia’s bowling attack for the first Ashes Test on Friday as Andrew McDonald faces a major selection headache.
Boland took five wickets across India’s two innings in the World Test Championship, including the double scalp of opener Shubman Gill as well as Virat Kohli in the second innings.
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It was the latest chapter in the 34-year-old’s stunning rise to prominence ever since his famous performance at the Melbourne Cricket Ground against England in the 2021 Boxing Day Test.
However, Boland is by no means a guaranteed inclusion in Australia’s starting team in the first Ashes Test amid competition from Josh Hazlewood.
Hazlewood has been a constant presence in the Australian team over the years but has struggled with injuries as of late.
As McDonald juggles up whether to go with the in-form Boland or turn to the reliable but potentially undercooked Hazlewood, Border believes the decision should be straightforward.
“Boland has to stay,” Border told News Corp.
“He was threatening all the time against India. It was just like Terry Alderman and Terry was just phenomenal in England. They are both the perfect pace for English conditions in the way they kiss the wicket.
“Boland’s style of bowling and his general accuracy makes him the prototype English bowler. In those conditions Boland is just about first picked.
“They have to keep the same team that beat India.”
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Keeping Boland in the Australian bowling attack is also a stance shared by The Times’ chief cricket correspondent Mike Atherton.
Atherton pointed to Boland’s remarkable figures since coming into the Test fold, with 33 wickets at an astonishing average of 14.57.
And having toiled on the Australian domestic circuit for years before earning his baggy green, Atherton believes Boland is primed to seize the opportunity.
“Because of the physique, attitude and strengths that long apprenticeship on backbreaking pitches have instilled, Boland is something of a throwback,” Atherton wrote.
“He is the kind of cricketer that fast-medium bowlers of yesteryear would recognise and admire. He is broad-shouldered and has a big backside and a heavy, deliberate walk back to his mark.
“Want a long spell? Boland is your man. Need an hour from someone when the pitch is flat and the batsmen are set? Turn to Boland.
“He is strong, reliable, consistent and skilful.”
ENGLAND STALWART ENJOYS ‘NOT BEING MATES’ WITH AUSSIES
England stalwart James Anderson insists he actively enjoys “not being mates” with members of the Australian squad amid the rise of franchise cricket.
With the way the sport is going, the world’s best cricketers are mixing with their international rivals in competitions such as the Big Bash and the IPL where foes must become friends to succeed.
Anderson and fellow English bowling veteran Stuart Broad do not compete in franchise cricket, nor do they have any pals wearing the famous baggy green.
And the former holds grave fears that the sting in the international rivalries will be taken out with the way cricket is going.
“I just like not knowing them away from cricket, not being mates with them,” Anderson told The Telegraph.
“I just like seeing them as an opponent and really trying to get into the battle against them.
“I don’t think it has happened yet but the amount of cricket played in franchise cricket with the mix of nationalities could in the future take the edge away from the spark you get in the Ashes.”