Hoping to play Boxing Day Test: Scott Boland

Boland averages 10.36 in Test matches [Source: Associated Press]

Ahead of the Boxing Day Test against South Africa, Australia's team management faces a big dilemma to pick between Scott Boland and Josh Hazlewood. Boland, who has an impressive red-ball record in limited chances, will battle it out for a spot in the playing XI with the the ever-consistent Hazlewood.

Speaking days prior to the second Test at Melbourne Cricket Ground, the 33-year-old said he is hopeful of playing the encounter starting Monday. 

Boland, who made his Test debut last year, has claimed 25 wickets in five matches at an incredible average of 10.36.

According to The Sydney Morning Herald, the Victorian revealed that his inspiration is England's James Anderson and that this is just the start of his international career.

“I think he’s going really well. I don’t know if I’ll make it to 40, but I’d like to go on for a few more years and I think my body is in a pretty good spot that I can keep pushing and keep bowling lots of overs. I see what he’s doing at 40, I think he’s had one of his best years to date.

I haven’t heard a thing, so obviously I’m really hoping I get to play, but we’ve got a couple of big training sessions over the next couple of days,"

Boland further expressed a desire to contribute in wins during Australia's upcoming India and England tours next year. 

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