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"They can say what they want": Scott Boland responds to Atherton's 'no fear' criticism

Soumyajit Dutta

Scott Boland and Michael Atherton [Source: @ajax_slayer/X.com]Scott Boland and Michael Atherton [Source: @ajax_slayer/X.com]

Former England captain Michael Atherton, in his recent column for The Times, wrote that England's batters showed little fear of Boland, despite his impressive record of 62 wickets in 14 Tests. 

The critique, which sparked a stir in the cricketing community, was swiftly dismissed by Boland himself, who expressed confidence in delivering strong performances after a challenging Ashes series in England in 2023.

Boland brushes off Atherton's comment

In the 2023 Ashes series, Boland struggled, taking just two wickets at a cost of 231 runs across two Tests, conceding nearly five runs per over. It was a tough outing for the Australian pacer, especially following his remarkable seven-wicket haul on Test debut at the MCG. Nevertheless, Boland remained self-assured in responding to Atherton’s comments.

“I saw it. My cousin sent it to me, taking the piss. I’m sure there’s going to be so much banter between former players between now and the first Test. They can say what they want," Boland said, as quoted by The Indian Express.

Speaking about his motivations, Boland expressed confidence in producing a breakthrough performance in the upcoming Ashes series. 

“I’ve got my own internal motivations for what I want to do during the summer. I’m never going into a game just middling along. There’s always some motivation for me to try and either come into the team and try to put in a really good performance to try and keep my spot,” Boland added. 

Boland is still dicey of making it to the Playing XI

However, Scott Boland admitted he is uncertain about his chances of making the Playing XI. Boland noted that if Pat Cummins recovers in time to play alongside Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc, he might struggle to secure a spot. 

“I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t excited by what’s coming up this summer. Every summer that comes up, I want to be in the team and playing a part. I’m still happy being 12th man if I do miss out, because I know I’m next in line if something does happen, or if they want a change of change of bowler,” Boland added.

He added that while his poor form in the last Ashes had been stressful, he is currently in good rhythm and hopes to find his mojo early in the series.

“I was probably stressing about it a bit too much from what I usually do. Sometimes that just happens. I just want to find my rhythm as quick as I can in a game,” Boland concluded.

The Australian pacer would be excited to get his hands warmed up as the most-awaited Test series begins from November 21 at Perth. The five-match long affair will conclude on January 4 in Sydney.