COUNTY CLUBS LINE UP TO SIGN BOLAND
ENGLAND‘s cricketers may be loathing the sight of Scott Boland but their county bosses love his style and have started a stampede to his door.
Test match sensation
Boland has received several offers from English counties and fellow Indigenous Test star Jason Gillespie has tipped the chase for his signature will become red hot.
Gillespie believes Boland has the potential to take the county scene, and next year‘s Ashes tour, by storm.
“He will have half a dozen counties after him, mark my words,‘’ said Gillespie, who coached Yorkshire and Sussex.
“They will be lining up to sign him. He would be a great county pro, there is no doubt about that. I can guarantee you he will do well in England with the Duke ball. If I was still coaching in county cricket, I would certainly be on the blower to him.’’
Gillespie believes next year‘s Ashes tour will be well within reach for the 32-yearold, who has taken 14 wickets at 8.64 in two Tests with his relentless seam bowling.
Former England fast bowler Steve Finn expressed similar sentiments on the ABC.
“If Boland can stay fit he‘d be an absolute shoo-in for a tour of England,’’ Finn said.
”His consistency and seam presentation, everything you need to become a good bowler in England, he possesses.’’
Unless he is feeling residual soreness from a rib complaint after falling at the crease, Boland appears set to retain his place for the pink-ball Test in Hobart starting Friday.
“We know Scotty Boland had some sore ribs as well, so we’ve got a little bit of time. We’ll get a full report (on Wednesday) from the guys and have the training session just to see that everyone can shake off that soreness,” Australian selector Tony Dodemaide said.
“(Boland)… is in a real purple patch, so it’s fantastic for him. It’s amazing for him and it’s been great for Australian cricket on a number of levels.”
As the only other
Indigenous Australian male to play a Test, Gillespie is delighted by Boland‘s rise.
“I feel absolute pride about that and it’s a special moment for everyone in the Indigenous community to see Scott play,” Gillespie said.