WTC Final | Scott Boland Could Play Against India over Hazlewood; Hints Chief Selector George Bailey
Hazlewood in action for Australia [Twitter]
Australia are gearing up to take up on their biggest challenge this season when they lock horns against India in the upcoming ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final 2023 starting next week. The much-hyped WTC Final will be played at The Oval beginning June 7.
Led by Pat Cummins, Australia are fretting over the fitness of Josh Hazlewood, who sustained a minor niggle during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023, and is racing against time.
Former international player and current chairman of selectors, George Bailey speaking to Sydney Morning Herald talked about playing an XI that has been consistent over two years, meaning that bowler Scott Boland could get preference over Hazlewood.
The lanky bowler has played just four Tests for Australia out of their last 19, while Boland has played seven matches during this time period.
Here's what Bailey said
“The way we are looking at that is it’s a culmination of what’s been a pretty consistent two years. It’s been a pretty similar team for a long period of time. We are confident that’s a team and that’s a make-up that can have success,”
Australia have an impressive line-up of bowlers with Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Hazlewood, Boland, and Cameron Green to pick from, with the likes of Michael Neser and Sean Abbott warming the bench.
Interestingly, Hazlewood spoke to ICC on Wednesday about his fitness, where the 32-year-old revealed that he is expecting to be ready for the WTC Final 2023.
.jpg "Update on Dhoni’s knee injury")
 "Vishal Mehra")
