Scott Boland is unsure if he will play in Australia’s World Test Championship (WTC) Final against South Africa. The match begins on June 11 at Lord’s in London.
Boland was a key part of Australia’s WTC win at The Oval in 2023. He also impressed in the Border-Gavaskar series against India earlier this year. Still he faces tough competition for a fast-bowling spot.
The 36-year-old Scott Boland is in direct competition with Josh Hazlewood. So far Boland says he hasn’t heard anything from the selectors.
“I haven’t spoken to them,” Boland said in London on Thursday.
He explained that his main aim over the past two months was to be fully fit and ready.
“Earlier in the Shield season, my knee wasn’t feeling great. I wasn’t bowling how I wanted to. But now I feel strong and confident. My body is holding up well. That’s all I can control. I just want to make the selectors’ choice difficult.”
Boland may have a small edge in the race. He bowled a long session during training at Beckenham on Wednesday. It was Australia’s first practice in the UK.
Hazlewood on the other hand, only arrived in London on Wednesday night. He had just helped Royal Challengers Bangalore win the IPL. Rain on Thursday cancelled training, so he missed his first session with the team.
Boland knows Hazlewood is a top bowler. But he made a strong case for himself. He has taken 16 wickets in his last two Tests, including 10 in the final match of the Border-Gavaskar series.
“I feel I had a couple of great games. But Josh is world-class. He’s one of the best and had a strong IPL. I know he’ll be trying to earn his place too.”
“There probably isn’t space for all of us,” Boland added.
If selected, this will be Scott Boland first game at Lord’s. The right-arm pacer said playing at the famous ground would be a special moment.
“I’d love to play at Lord’s. Everyone’s excited to train there. It’s a special place in cricket.”