Former England star Kevin Pietersen has sparked a fresh Ashes debate by backing veteran Australian seamer Scott Boland to finish as the leading wicket-taker of the series. With Pat Cummins ruled out of the opening Test in Perth due to a back injury, Boland is expected to take the new ball when the Ashes begin on November 21.
Pat Cummins, meanwhile, is eyeing a return for the day-night Test at the Gabba, which could shake up Australia’s pace combination. Kevin Pietersen made his bold prediction on Saturday, tweeting that if Boland plays all five Tests, he “WILL be the highest wicket taker”.
It’s a claim that carries weight, considering Boland’s remarkable impact in the 2021–22 Ashes, where he demolished England with an iconic 6 for 7 in Melbourne.
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For the series opener, Australia are set to unleash the trio of Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Boland. All three impressed in the Sheffield Shield, sharpening their rhythm ahead of the marquee clash. Beyond them, Australia have Sean Abbott and Brendan Doggett in reserve, while Cummins’ eventual return could complicate selection.
If Scott Boland plays all 5 Test Matches in The Ashes, he WILL be the highest wicket taker.
— Kevin Pietersen🦏 (@KP24) November 8, 2025
Hazlewood’s form has also caught the eye. The pacer, sitting just five wickets away from the 300-wicket milestone, continues to be a major threat in home conditions alongside the ever-reliable Starc. But Australia’s pace unit is ageing, and England’s aggressive Bazball approach has already identified Boland as a key target, hinting at a gripping contest.
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Still, Boland’s numbers make a strong case. He has taken 20 wickets in five Tests at an economy of 3.14. His home record is even more impressive, with 49 wickets from nine matches at a miserly 2.41. Whether he plays all five Tests remains uncertain, but if he does, Pietersen’s prediction might not be far-fetched at all.
