Scott Boland is a warm advocate for Joe Root as England’s key player. Australia has to figure out how to get him out in the next Ashes series. Having taken 92 wickets at just 20 apiece, the veteran fast bowler is acutely aware that he is more crucial to his country’s XI than most of his compatriots. He said it was important to stop Root and the middle order of England’s batsmen.
Boland, 36, shot to fame during the previous Ashes tour down under when he took Root’s wicket on four occasions. His impressive performance included a debut match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) where he took 6-7, showcasing his potential as a formidable fast bowler. His average of 16.53 is extraordinary considering he’s taken 62 wickets in his Test career so far. In one prolific series, he took an astonishing 18 wickets at an incredible average of 9.55.
Nevertheless, for all his success, Boland admitted that his greatest challenge came when he was afforded the opportunity during the 2023 Ashes series in the UK. Speaking at Perth Stadium, Boland reflected on his past experiences and stated, “I’ve reflected on that tour a fair bit. With that I’ll plan my playbook accordingly. I still think there won’t be much that I’ll need to amend. I played really well throughout the tournament, I just have to win it.
With Cummins and Hazlewood both out, Boland is all but assured of getting on the field. He will be accompanied by fellow specialists Mitchell Starc and the 31-year-old Brendan Doggett. This new-look, left-leaning bowling lineup certainly provides an excellent opportunity for Boland to take command of the attack. He has the power to do great things yet again!
You never want to lose the best players, Boland said. He suggested that his strategy would involve reducing Root’s footprint to the greatest extent. With that, he painted a picture of the past. Whenever Joe Root has been skipper, you want to have them toiled on his watch as little as you can rightfully manage,” he added. He admitted that England have a lot of batters who are really in good touch. We’ll be looking to get an upset ourselves,” he stressed, underscoring the tall task ahead thanks to the visitors.
Boland’s tour of duty to do well in this series has less to do with showing the world, and much more to do with showing himself. He stated, “I’ve got nothing to prove but to myself in this series,” emphasizing his personal motivation beyond external expectations.
The Australian team are looking to work their way into the Ashes series ahead of the opening Test. In particular, every cricketing eye will be on Boland as he will face the biggest challenges from England’s batting unit led by Joe Root. That ongoing tussle between Boland and Root might become a key factor in deciding which way this series goes.
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