Australia add uncapped seamer Scott Boland to Ashes squad
Australia have called up uncapped seamer Scott Boland for the Boxing Day Test against England as cover for a bowling attack showing signs of wear and tear.
The decision to add the 32-year-old to the squad suggests the management have some fitness concerns over their pace group after going 2-0 up in the Ashes in Adelaide this week.
Captain Pat Cummins is set to return after serving a seven-day isolation for a close contact with Covid-19 but Josh Hazlewood is in doubt as he continues to recover from a side injury, Mitchell Starc appeared to be in discomfort at times in the last couple of days at Adelaide Oval and all-rounder Cameron Green is still being treated carefully.
Scott Boland has been added to Australia’s squad for the Boxing Day Test while the medical team assesses the fast bowling group following the second Test victory, @CricketAus announce pic.twitter.com/dhuXJk6XfE
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 21, 2021
A call-up at the MCG is a dream for local boy Boland on his home ground. He turned out for Australia A against England Lions earlier this month, twice dismissed the touring skipper Alex Lees with the new ball.
Also read: England’s batting just not good enough says former Ashes winner Matt Prior
Boland has ODI and T20I experience
The 32-year-old has played 14 one-day internationals and three Twenty20s for his country but has yet to earn his Baggy Green.
Australia proved their strength in depth during their 275-run win in South Australia, where debutant Michael Neser and the recalled Jhye Richardson stepped in admirably for Cummins and Hazlewood.
Richardson, who took five for 42 on the final day to seal victory, said: “The beauty of Australian cricket at the moment is we’ve got fast bowling stocks for days. I think that’s a wonderful problem for the selectors to have.”
Latest
-
NewsMoeen Ali may be ready to answer England’s call
Jack Leach’s injury could mean the 35-year-old reverses his retirement from Test cricket.
-
NewsI feel like a different player – Ollie Pope has Ashes warning for Australia
Pope provided an insight into his role as Ben Stokes’ official number two amid concerns over the captain’s fitness.
-
NewsColin Graves ends bid to return as Yorkshire chair
The club accused Graves of “a distinct lack of understanding” of their financial position and county governance requirements.
-
NewsSteve Smith: Jack Leach will leave big shoes to fill for England in the Ashes
Leach will not face Australia due to a back injury.
-
NewsThe spinners England could turn to after losing injured Jack Leach for Ashes
Leach will play no part in this summer’s clashes with Australia due to a back injury.
-
NewsJosh Tongue proud of England debut and thriving in ‘no-pressure’ environment
The Worcestershire seamer took five for 66 in Ireland’s second innings at Lord’s.
-
T20 BlastMatt Henry and Ben Green help Somerset keep perfect record
Umpire Sue Redfern wrote her name into the history books when she became the first female to officiate on-field in a Blast fixture.
-
T20 BlastUmpire Sue Redfern makes Blast history as Gloucestershire brush aside Middlesex
Redfern is the first female umpire to officiate on-field in a Vitality Blast fixture.
-
The AshesJoe Root cannot wait to perform in Ashes without burden of captaincy
Root has skippered England in the past three Ashes series, but hit 460 runs without the captaincy in 2015.
-
The AshesHuge blow for England with spinner Jack Leach ruled out of Ashes
Leach experienced low back symptoms during England’s win over Ireland at Lord’s.