BOLAND NO CERT FOR BOXING DAY SELECTION
Paceman in the dark
TWO days out from the Boxing Day Test Scott Boland remains in the dark about his place in the Australian team with a Christmas Eve decision likely to determine if he gets to repeat his MCG heroics.
Boland, who became part of cricket and MCG folklore when he took 6-7 on debut against England last summer, fronted up to training in Melbourne on Friday fresh from a few days off following Australia’s two-day smashing of South Africa in Brisbane.
While Boland was hanging out with his family Test star Josh Hazlewood was in full training trying to prove to selectors he was over the side strain which forced him to miss two matches and ready to resume his place in the Australian side.
Boland said he hadn’t “heard a thing” regarding his position as the country remains divided on who should play.
“I’m not sure. I hope so but I’m not sure,” Boland said when asked if he was playing.
He said he’d find out “either after training tomorrow or Christmas Day or maybe even the morning of the game”.
“I haven‘t heard a thing, basically,” he said. “Obviously I’m really hoping that I get to play but yeah, I think we’ve got a couple of big training sessions over the next couple of days.”
Boland was given the golden news on Christmas Eve last year and went on to star in three Ashes Tests, snaring 18 wickets in his first three games.
But the 33-year-old Victorian remains fourth on the pecking list for first-choice Australian quicks behind Hazlewood, captain Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc.
Re-called first against the West Indies and then the Proteas this summer after Hazlewood suffered a side strain, Boland again showed his Test worth, with another seven wickets in two games.
It’s created a selection dilemma, heightened by the fact Boland was stunning at the MCG, his home ground, last year.
Boland said he hadn’t talked to Hazlewood about the situation and that “whatever happens, happens” with regards to selection, confident that if he doesn’t play Boxing Day, there will be plenty of opportunities ahead.
“And that’s OK. I‘m happy with being in this squad,” he said.
“Last year, I wasn’t gonna squad at all.
“So now to be in the squad and being around and training and playing these last few games been great and I’m absolutely loving it.
“And hopefully I can keep bowling really well and keep trying to be in the squad and in the team for a few years to come.”