Not Big 3! Kevin Pietersen predicts Scott Boland to be leading wicket-taker in Ashes 2025–26

Former England batter and cricket pundit Kevin Pietersen has made a bold prediction for the Australian pacer Scott Boland ahead of the upcoming Ashes 2025-26, starting on November 21.

As the Ashes 2025-26 series approaches, Kevin Pietersen backed Scott Boland as a potential highest wicket-taker if he plays all five Tests against England. Boland’s rise has been remarkable, and Pietersen believes that the pacer could dominate the iconic Test series with his consistent performances in the home conditions.

Kevin Pietersen backs Scott Boland to dominate England in Ashes 2025-26

Boland is expected to feature in Australia’s playing XI for the five-match Test series opener in Perth, as the regular captain and premier fast bowler Pat Cummins has been ruled out of the first Ashes Test due to a back injury. It will be a huge opportunity for Boland to grab all the spotlight.

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However, Cummins is now targeting a return for the day-night Test at the Gabba. If Australia opts for a three-pacer combination once Cummins is back, Boland may miss out on the selection in the playing XI, but his form makes a strong case for his inclusion throughout the Ashes 2025-26 series.

The 36-year-old pacer has so far represented Australia in only 14 Tests and scalped a colossal 62 wickets at an amazing average of 16.53 and economy rate of 2.75. At home, Boland’s record is even more impressive, with 49 wickets from nine games at an astonishing economy of 2.41.

He'll be the highest wicket taker: Kevin Pietersen's bold prediction

In recent red-ball games, Scott Boland has taken 20 wickets in five matches at an economy of 3.14. These stats highlight his potential to wreak havoc on England’s batting lineup in the upcoming Ashes 2025-26, and that’s why Pietersen backed the pacer to play in all five tests for the Kangaroos.

Kevin Pietersen posted on X on Saturday (November 8): “If Scott Boland plays all 5 Test Matches in The Ashes, he WILL be the highest wicket taker.”

If Scott Boland plays all 5 Test Matches in The Ashes, he WILL be the highest wicket taker.

— Kevin Pietersen🦏 (@KP24) November 8, 2025

Well, Australia is set to field a strong pace attack comprising Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Scott Boland, who have all been in great form in the Sheffield Shield, in the first Ashes Test against England in Perth. Seamers Sean Abbott and Brendan Doggett may have to wait for their chance.

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Josh Hazlewood backs Australia’s experienced bowling attack ahead of Ashes 2025-26

Meanwhile, Australia’s bowling lineup may look aged on paper, but Josh Hazlewood dismissed concerns and emphasized that the maturity and collective knowledge of the attack make it a formidable unit ahead of the first Test in Perth.

With 14 of 15 players over 30, Hazlewood highlighted the advantage of playing together over multiple formats, understanding each other’s strengths, and providing support as a unit. He believes that this experience will help them handle pressure situations, execute plans effectively, and maintain consistency throughout the upcoming Ashes series against England.

Josh Hazlewood was quoted as saying by AAP: “There'll come a time no doubt (when the team is too old), but I don't think it's yet. We've been together a long time and taken a heap of wickets, but the times off the field as well have been so great. We know each other so well, so we can pull each other up from time to time when the rhythm's not quite there.”