Scott Boland has firmed as the most likely replacement for Josh Hazlewood in the Australian playing squad in Adelaide this weekend after the pace bowler succumbed a “low-grade” side injury.
Hazlewood was touch and go after the series opener but was eventually ruled out on Saturday.
Uncapped quicks Sean Abott and Brendan Doggett are both in the squad for cover while all-rounder Beau Webster has also been parachuted into the Australian camp as they prepare to face a red-hot India in Adelaide’s day-night battle. While any could likely do the job in the bowling attack, The Sporting Base understands Boland is the top pick.
Boland, 35, bowled 10 overs on Sunday night as Australia A fell to India’s own “A” side in Canberra, ticking up a 0/36 final tally. While he didn’t claim wickets, the reserve paceman looked the goods – and quite ready for a Test comeback.
If nothing else, it would be a great story for the 35-year-old who sizzled on debut at the MCG back in 2021.
Even better, it may surprise Boland himself – the veteran wasn’t sure he’d play in a Test again.
“I expected to play stage last summer, there were seven Tests. [But] with those guys being so resilient, they don’t miss too many and no one wants to give up their spot,” Boland said.
“They’re so dominant, so last summer they weren’t bowling a heap of overs but they were still able to win most of those games. I thought maybe the opportunity had passed, but I’ve worked really hard in the offseason to get my body into a spot where I’m confident, if I get another chance, that I’ll be able to perform for Australia again.”
“I still thought I was a chance [to play this summer],” the Victorian continued.
“The conversations I had with ‘Ron’ [McDonald] and George [Bailey] over the pre-season when I was rehabbing a lot, was to try to get my body in the right spot. I didn’t want to rush anything and then re-injure something and push my return to play date back a while.
“We took it really slow with my rehab. Then I played the second game for Victoria, missed a couple and then played in this ‘A’ game, so I’ve had a pretty good prep. Now it’s just about getting the intensity up.”
While nothing has been set in stone yet – final calls remain with McDonald and the selectors right up until Test eve – it’s looking unlikely these plans change before Friday; only Beau Webster as an all-rounder would make any real sense replacement-wise.
The Aussie coach has already called 33-year-old Boland to get him in the swing too, further firming the call to bring him into the playing squad as a likely bowling option.
“A couple of days ago I got a call from ‘Ronnie’ giving me a bit of a heads up,” Boland admitted.
“Nothing in my prep changes,” the Victorian bowler added.
“It’s obviously unfortunate for Josh but a good opportunity for whoever they pick.”
