Last Update on: December 25th, 2021 at 11:06 am
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Victorian fast bowler Scott Boland will be making his Test debut for Australia in the Boxing Day Test from December 26 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The fast bowler was named in the 16-man squad in the Test and will now be replacing Jhye Richardson.
Incoming skipper Pat Cummins has heaped praise on Scott Boland deeming him to be a great bowler, particularly at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. In 26 first-class games at this venue, Boland has picked up as many as 91 wickets at an average of 25.71. These numbers are rewarding of a Test call-up according to Pat Cummins.
Speaking to the press ahead of the Boxing Day Test, here is what Cummins had to say about Boland’s debut:
“We earmarked him as a chance for here and the SCG in particular, we think his record is really well suited,” said Cummins on Saturday (December 25). “His record speaks for itself here in domestic cricket. Home ground, having someone fresh like him who can perform straightaway were the big factors. He’s really excited obviously – it’s a dream for him to wear the Baggy Green, packed MCG on Boxing Day, it doesn’t get any better.”
Pat Cummins explains why Australia left out Jhye Richardson
P.C. Twitter
Jhye Richardson was expected to retain his place after impressive performances in the second Test at the Adelaide Oval. He picked up his maiden fifer and helped Australia script a fabulous 275-run win over England. However, he picked up a minor leg injury due to which Australia decided to let him rest and give Boland a go instead.
“He was pretty sore,” Cummins said on Saturday (December 25). “We were umming and ahhing – he had a bowl yesterday but we thought seven days off (before the fourth Test in Sydney) will give him enough rest. He’s got a small leg injury which is nothing major but we thought rather than risking a long-term injury, we’d give him a week off.”
England, on the other hand, have made four changes to their lineup and will be keen to have an impact after performing poorly in the first two games.