Former Australian opener Mark Waugh wants Scott Boland to play the first Ashes Test and feels experienced Josh Hazlewood will have to miss out from the playing XI. Boland made a strong case for his selection as he was the pick of the Australian bowlers in the World Test Championship final against India.
The lanky pacer returned with five wickets in the Test match and breathed down the neck of the Indian batters with his nagging line and length. The fast bowler has scalped 33 wickets in eight Test matches at an impressive average of 14.58.
Furthermore, Boland had returned with impressive figures of 6-7 in the second innings of his Test debut against England in the Boxing Day Test match in 2021 Ashes.
On the other hand, Josh Hazlewood, who has been troubled by injuries in the last two years, is also fit and he is hopeful of playing at least three Ashes Test this series.
“If you said this 12 months ago that Josh Hazlewood would be left out of the team, someone would think you’re mad,” Waugh said speaking to Fox Sports.
“But I think it will happen that way. I think Boland has to play, Cummins has obviously got to play and Starc has got to play because he offers you pace through the air and variety.
“You don’t want four tall, right-arm seam bowlers because you’ve got Cameron Green as well.
“So unfortunately I think Josh Hazlewood is going to miss out in the first Test.”
Boland has definitely given a push to his Ashes selection after his exemplary performance in the WTC Final. Hazlewood, on the other hand, has lacked game time and has played only four Test matches in the last two years.
The first Ashes Test will be played at Edgbaston, Birmingham from Friday onwards.
Australia Ashes Squad 2023
Confirmed squad for 1st Test and 2nd Test.
Pat Cummins (captain), Steve Smith (vice-captain), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Marcus Harris, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Todd Murphy, Matthew Renshaw, Mitchell Starc, David Warner.
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