Scott Boland is finally bowling pain-free—and right in time to stake his claim for a spot in Australia’s playing XI for the World Test Championship (WTC) final against South Africa at Lord’s, starting June 11. The 36-year-old right-arm pacer admitted this is the first time in 18 months that his body feels “really good,” offering him a renewed sense of rhythm and purpose.
Boland hasn’t featured in competitive cricket since early March, having sat out Australia’s Sri Lanka tour and the final stages of the domestic Sheffield Shield season due to persistent knee soreness. But he’s now determined to make life difficult for the selectors, who must choose between him and the returning Josh Hazlewood, whose own injury record raises some concerns.
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Josh Hazlewood broke down in each of his last two Tests, while Boland was Player of the Match in his last Test appearance—against India in Sydney during the 2024–25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Boland or Hazlewood? 🤔
Australia’s selectors have a headache ahead of the WTC final
🔗 https://t.co/tFH8KaqAsL pic.twitter.com/GUr7NT5Que
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) June 6, 2025
“My body is pain-free for the first time in about 18 months. That’s a big win in itself,” Scott Boland told ESPNcricinfo. “In the last part of the Shield season, I didn’t feel like I was bowling the way I wanted. But now, I feel like I can hit my rhythm and let the ball talk. All I can do is put myself in the best position to be picked.”
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While Boland made a case for his selection, he was quick to acknowledge Hazlewood’s quality and form. “Josh is a world-class bowler, no doubt. He’s coming off a great IPL campaign with RCB and will be keen to make his mark,” Boland said. “Of course, we all want to play, but there’s not always room for everyone.”
The Australian selectors have a welcome headache ahead of the WTC Final, and Scott Boland has done everything to ensure his name remains firmly in contention.
