Scott Boland's Strong Case for WTC Final Selection Amid Hazlewood's Return

As the Australian cricket team gears up for the World Test Championship final, the selection between Scott Boland and Josh Hazlewood poses a significant dilemma. Boland, who has been fit for 18 months, is eager to secure his place after a strong performance in the previous WTC final. Meanwhile, Hazlewood's recent success in the IPL adds to the competition. Boland expresses confidence in his fitness and aims to make the selection decision challenging for the management. This article delves into their performances and the implications for the upcoming match.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 6, 2025, 13:44 IST

Selection Dilemma for Australian Team Management

The decision regarding Boland versus Hazlewood presents a significant challenge for the Australian cricket team's management as they prepare for the World Test Championship (WTC) final. While Hazlewood has shown improvement in both form and fitness, selectors may exercise caution due to his history of injuries in recent matches. Boland, known for his reliability and consistency, could benefit if the team opts to rest Hazlewood or chooses not to include an all-rounder like Beau Webster.

Boland's Fitness and Performance

Scott Boland has made a compelling argument for his inclusion, having maintained fitness for the past 18 months and now aiming for a spot in the WTC final. He previously excelled in the 2023 WTC final, where he was selected over Hazlewood and delivered an impressive performance. However, with Hazlewood now fit and coming off a successful IPL season where he took 22 wickets at an average of 18, the competition for Boland is fierce.

Boland's Optimism and Goals

Boland expressed his satisfaction with his current physical condition, stating, "I’m really happy with how my body’s feeling at the moment. Pain-free for probably the first time in about 18 months. So it’s feeling really good." He emphasized that his goal over the past two months has been to prepare himself to be ready for selection. Reflecting on his performance towards the end of the Shield season, he noted that he wasn't bowling to his potential but now feels in a strong position to perform well.

Acknowledging Hazlewood's Talent

Boland acknowledged the challenge posed by Hazlewood, stating, "I felt like I had a couple of really strong games. But Josh is obviously a world-class bowler. He’s one of the best bowlers in the world coming off a really good IPL. So I’m sure he’ll be wanting the same thing here. Obviously, we all want to play, but there’s probably not room for all of us."