Synopsis
On Feb 5, Ian Healy stated that Scott Boland has surpassed Josh Hazlewood in the Australian Test bowling lineup, ranking behind only Cummins and Starc. Boland's impressive performance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India has earned him this distinction, despite Hazlewood's past status as a key player.Key Takeaways
- Ian Healy values Scott Boland's recent performances over Josh Hazlewood's injury issues.
- Boland has taken 21 wickets at an average of 13.19 against India.
- Hazlewood's recurring injuries have made his future in Test cricket uncertain.
- Australia may adopt a flexible selection strategy for different conditions.
- The Boland vs. Hazlewood debate may intensify during the World Test Championship Final.
New Delhi, Feb 5 (NationPress) Former Australian wicketkeeper Ian Healy is of the opinion that Scott Boland has surpassed Josh Hazlewood in the hierarchy of Test fast bowlers, placing him just behind Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc. Although Hazlewood has been a key figure in Australia’s elite pace trio for years, Boland’s exceptional performances against India during the recent Border-Gavaskar Trophy have, according to Healy, secured him the position of the third seamer in the Test lineup.
Boland, who stepped in for the injured Hazlewood for three out of five Tests against India, excelled by taking 21 wickets with an impressive average of 13.19. Meanwhile, Hazlewood, when fit, also delivered a solid performance, claiming six wickets at an average of 13.16 in his limited appearances, but his ongoing injury issues have raised doubts about his long-term sustainability in Test cricket.
During a discussion on SENQ Breakfast, Healy recognized Hazlewood’s talent but emphasized that his frequent injuries have made Boland a more reliable choice.
"I now place Scott Boland ahead of Josh Hazlewood following his impressive showing against India, where he filled in for Hazlewood," Healy stated.
"The drawback with Josh is that he simply cannot afford to be absent from as many matches as he has been. He has participated in only 16 out of the last 34 Tests."
Since his remarkable Test debut in the 2021/22 Ashes series, Boland has become Australia’s primary fourth seamer whenever injuries arise. His skill in delivering with unwavering precision and generating bounce and seam movement has proven particularly effective on lively pitches in Australia and England.
Healy proposed that Australia could implement a 'horses for courses' strategy involving Boland and Hazlewood, deploying the Victorian bowler in seam-friendly Australian and English conditions, while Hazlewood could be favored in a wider range of overseas conditions.
"Both are exceptional, and I believe that Josh Hazlewood is a superior bowler across all environments," Healy acknowledged. "However, Scott Boland might be favored in specific conditions, particularly in Australia where bouncier and seam-friendly pitches prevail, as well as in England."
"You might find yourself employing a ‘horses for courses’ approach with Scotty Boland indefinitely, hoping that Josh can remain fit until he decides to retire."
The discussion surrounding the selection of Boland versus Hazlewood could reach a crucial point when Australia competes against South Africa in the World Test Championship Final at Lord’s in June. With English conditions likely to favor seam movement, Boland’s abilities could make him a compelling option, especially if Hazlewood’s fitness continues to be a concern.
