Xtra Time Web Desk: A sensational six-wicket innings haul on debut may not be enough to keep paceman Scott Boland in the Australian team, with regular seamer Josh Hazlewood set to return from a side strain for the fourth Ashes Test in Sydney next week.
Boland, who was plucked from obscurity by selectors on Christmas Eve, was Man of the Match in the third Test in Melbourne after finishing with astonishing figures of 6-7 from four overs as England capitulated for 68 in the second innings.
Selectors are blessed with an embarrassment of bowling riches, with first-choice seamer Hazlewood expected to be fit and Mitchell Starc unlikely to be rested after Australia’s bowlers had a light workload at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, where they romped to an innings and 14-run victory.
Boland said he knows where he stands in the pecking order.
“I understand how selection works. I’m 32 so I’ve been around the block in terms of what happens with those things,” he stated
“When you’ve got a guy like Josh Hazlewood coming back in, I don’t think I’m going to be standing in his way. He’ll be coming straight back in”, added Boland
With the series sealed 3-0 and the Sydney Cricket Ground pitch generally conducive to turn, Australia could hand legspinner Mitchell Swepson a debut in a dual spin attack with regular Nathan Lyon, which would further cramp space for fast bowlers.
Selectors chairman George Bailey said Australia’s depth was a “great headache”.