December 24, 2024: Ahead of the much-anticipated Boxing Day Test against India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Australian head coach Andrew McDonald has strongly hinted at the inclusion of pacer Scott Boland in the playing XI. With the series level at 1-1 and Australia’s frontline pacer Josh Hazlewood sidelined due to injury, McDonald’s comments indicate that Boland is likely to feature prominently in the crucial fourth Test.
“I do not think I am coming to the ground on Boxing Day if Scotty is not in the XI,” McDonald said, reinforcing his belief that Boland’s sharp line and length will be key for Australia in this Test match, especially given Hazlewood’s absence. The coach also added that while he could not officially announce the team—leaving that responsibility to captain Pat Cummins—he suggested that Boland’s inclusion was nearly certain.
Scott Boland has been a standout performer for Australia in home conditions, with an impressive record of 40 wickets from 11 Tests at an average of 20.42. His remarkable debut performance at the MCG in the 2021 Ashes, where he took 6/7 against England, remains a highlight of his career. He has also shown consistency in subsequent Boxing Day Tests, including his 3-wicket haul in the 2022 match against South Africa.
Boland has been particularly effective on Australian pitches, having taken 33 wickets in just seven Tests at an outstanding average of 13.54. His recent performance in the pink-ball Test at Adelaide, where he claimed five wickets across both innings—including key scalps of Indian top-order players like Shubman Gill, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Yashasvi Jaiswal—further strengthens his case for inclusion.
The decision to include Boland comes at a critical juncture, with Australia needing to secure a strong performance to maintain their chances in the ICC World Test Championship final. McDonald emphasized that Boland’s proven effectiveness in Australian conditions makes him a key asset, especially with the series at a pivotal point.
McDonald also discussed the squad’s composition for the Boxing Day Test, indicating that it’s unlikely for all-rounder Beau Webster to make his debut, given Mitchell Marsh’s current form and the ongoing role of wicketkeeper-batter Alex Carey, which effectively rules out Josh Inglis’ selection.
Additionally, fast bowler Jhye Richardson, who has been training with the squad, is also in contention for selection, although his involvement will depend on the workload of Australia’s frontline pacers, Cummins and Mitchell Starc. Richardson, who has not played a Test since 2021, is recovering from a shoulder setback but has impressed in the nets. McDonald mentioned that Richardson is getting closer to his best, which could make him a viable option should the Test extend to a fifth day or if heavy workloads require fresh legs.
“The two extra quicks in the squad, particularly with the short turnaround, are important,” McDonald said. “If this game becomes long into a short turnaround, then we might have to make some decisions. But our frontline quicks, in terms of Starkey and Paddy, are well placed with relatively lighter workloads so far in the series.”
With a crucial series decider on the horizon, the inclusion of Boland, and potentially Richardson, will be vital for Australia’s hopes of regaining the lead in the series and keeping their World Test Championship final ambitions alive.
