Scott Boland’s much-anticipated return to Test cricket in Adelaide saw him deliver a sensational performance. However, despite his five-wicket haul and the crowd’s fervent support, Boland might find himself carrying drinks at the Gabba as Josh Hazlewood is set to make a comeback.
Boland’s Fiery Return in Adelaide
In his first home Test in two years, Boland immediately made his presence felt. Though his first delivery of the match resulted in a no-ball, he struck gold with his first ball in the second innings, dismissing Yashasvi Jaiswal with precision. At the end of the game, Boland had taken five wickets, which included some big scalps like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, and his home record stood at 33 wickets at an average of 13.54.
Teammates and fans showered him with praise. Travis Head, reflecting on Boland’s impact, said, “Just feels like something’s going to happen with Scotty. He’s been high quality his whole Test career… The boys absolutely love him, the public love him. Whenever he does get a chance, you can’t be happier for him.”
Hazlewood Eyeing Return at Gabba
Josh Hazlewood, who missed the Adelaide Test due to a mild side strain, has been working diligently on his recovery. The seasoned pacer bowled two spells at Adelaide Oval on Monday and expressed confidence in his progress.
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“Obviously [we’ve] got Scotty there, who does a fantastic job every time he plays. That sort of makes the decision a little easier,” Hazlewood said.
He acknowledged the recurring nature of his injury but emphasized the importance of managing his workload carefully.
“It’s caused me a lot of trouble over the last few years… I was very happy where I was, and it still happened. So I was pretty annoyed there for a few days,” Hazlewood admitted.
Scott Boland: The Crowd Favourite
While Boland dazzled in Adelaide, Hazlewood’s return presents a tough choice for selectors. Hazlewood’s record speaks volumes, with 278 Test wickets to his name, and his ability to adapt under pressure makes him a vital cog in Australia’s pace attack.
Hazlewood’s admiration for Boland was evident: “He just sticks to his guns. He does his job, he doesn’t try and be anyone else. In these conditions, [with the] pink ball under lights, there’s not many better.”
Boland’s ability to rile up the crowd and deliver match-defining performances adds a unique dimension to his presence. The Adelaide Oval roared every time he charged in, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of Mitchell Starc’s electric opening spell and Travis Head’s masterful century.
Head summed it up best: “The hill was going mad for him. [He’s] a hugely important guy for us in the squad.”
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