Who is Scott Boland, the fast bowler who replaced Josh Hazlewood in Australia squad for WTC final vs India

Scott Boland could make his maiden Test debut in England as Australia skipper Pat Cummins has confirmed his place in the playing XI for the upcoming World Test Championship final against India, starting June 7 at The Oval.

Boland has been selected in place of Michael Neser, who was called up to replace Josh Hazlewood in the Australia squad. The right-arm pacer has an impressive record in red-ball cricket, which will force him to feature in Australia’s game against India at The Oval.

Cummins told reporters, “We specialize in bowling in a slightly different way in each way.” (WTC Final: Ajinkya Rahane set to make playing XI, head coach Rahul Dravid drops key hints)

“Scott is a good length fast bowler, but he offers something different to Joshi Hazlewood, and Starsey being a left-handed batsman is a bit different.”

“So I don’t think there’s ever a pecking order. You think about three guys you want to go out and play.”

Cummins also stressed that he does not want Boland to change his bowling style while playing in England.

Cummins said, “In the past here in England, because the ball speaks a bit more, I have seen players get stuck trying to take wickets every ball because all of a sudden you swing and seam the ball.”

“Someone like Scotty, it’s a really simple game-plan – you hit in your good areas and you stay there all day and hope the ball works for you.

“He’s bowled a few here now and looks good. But whenever he bowls he looks good.”

Boland’s Test Stats

In seven matches, Boland took 28 wickets at an average of 13.42, the fewest for any Test cricketer with at least 1000 deliveries since the start of the 20th century.