As the Perth Test was drawing to a close, some of Australia’s reserves had already begun preparations for the upcoming day-night Test in Adelaide. This early training could prove beneficial, particularly for Scott Boland, who faced challenges on the opening day of the practice match between the Prime Minister’s XI and India, as it struggled to get underway.
Boland, who received the call about Josh Hazlewood’s side strain “a couple of days ago,” is the frontrunner to secure a spot in the playing XI for Adelaide next Friday, marking his first Test appearance since the early stages of the Ashes in July 2023.
“Obviously I haven’t played a heap of cricket at the start of this season, but I feel like I’ve played enough cricket to feel like I’m in a really good spot, My body’s feeling really good now. I had a couple of niggles that were a little bit sore, but my knee and foot are feeling really good and I’m confident how the ball’s coming out”, he said
“Our last net session in Perth was for me and Josh Inglis, we went pink ball for quite a few overs. So getting it in the hand then and then obviously the overs we can get in probably tomorrow by the look of this weather will be valuable as well. Then Adelaide on Monday, then just a normal prep before a game. So have a good bowl two days before the game and then just prepare to play.” he added.
Australia’s loss in Perth has raised concerns externally, as their top-order batsmen were dismissed swiftly in both innings, and the bowlers struggled to prevent India from accumulating runs in the second innings. While Boland acknowledged the need for a strategic reassessment, he emphasized that the team would not be making drastic changes.
Australian pacer stated, “There’s definitely no panic stations in our change rooms,” he said. “There’s obviously going to be some chats around individual performances and everyone wants to perform really well every game they play.
Boland, who can get the movement from the seam especially when conditions start to turn helpful as the day goes to night, has an average of 13.71 from two day-night Tests. He might be the first choice of replacement for Jos Hazelwood.
“But now back to Adelaide, I think they produce a really good cricket wicket that really suits the pink ball and helps it last a bit longer because it does get a little bit softer after 30, 40 overs compared to a red ball,” Boland said before the second test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
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Jasir Basharat is a cricket enthusiast capturing the heart of the game through insightful analysis and storytelling sharing his passion for the sport through engaging narratives. He is a business graduate from University of Kashmir.
