Scott Boland is the frontrunner to replace the injured Josh Hazlewood in the upcoming Adelaide day-night Test. This would mark Boland’s return to international cricket after an 18-month hiatus.
This situation mirrors the lead-up to the World Test Championship final against India at The Oval. Hazlewood’s injury then also paved the way for Boland’s inclusion.
Boland’s memorable Ashes-clinching performance at the MCG on his Test debut remains a highlight. However, the Victorian bowler considers his WTC final contribution his career-best bowling display.
“Over a whole game, I’d say yes (it was),” he told cricket.com.au recently.
He rates his performance in the WTC final above his MCG heroics.
“I reckon I started maybe a little bit slow in the first innings, but once I got into the game, especially in the second innings … I think that’s my most complete performance.”
Boland acknowledges initial nerves playing with the Dukes ball in England.
“I was pretty nervous going into the game. I hadn’t played for a little bit. It was the first time bowling with a Dukes ball over in England, so it was finding my feet with … a few things that were new.”
He gained confidence as the match progressed.
“Once I got past my first spell, I think I bowled really well throughout the whole game.”
Boland’s self-assessment isn’t boastful. It’s part of his analytical approach to maintaining peak performance.
He reviews his bowling action when he feels off-form, focusing on specific technical elements.
“I’m just looking through my alignment at the crease and in my run up,” said Boland.
He identifies run-up speed as a key factor in his bowling consistency.
“Generally, if I’m a little bit slow in my run up, then I sort of fall away a little bit (in his bowling action).”
Maintaining run-up speed ensures proper jump and delivery.
“But if my run-up speed stays up, my jump goes straight, then I’m generally in a pretty good spot to be consistent with where the ball’s landing.”
Boland uses specific matches as benchmarks for his bowling action.
“One of the games I look at is the first spell I bowled in Sydney in my second Test. Then I look at a spell in Hobart – the Test after – when I felt like my action was really good as well. And then the World Test Championship (final).”
These matches serve as reference points for evaluating his current form.
“They’re the three games that, even now, two years on, it’s something I look back on – when my action was in a really good spot and I look at that to see if things change.”
He draws confidence from his performance against top-tier players.
“Just to reinforce you can do it against the best players in the world.”
Boland’s Test career includes 35 wickets at an average of 20.34 in 10 matches. He has dealt with knee and ankle problems early this season.
However, he delivered a solid performance with the pink ball in the recent Prime Minister’s XI game against India. This strengthens his case for selection in the Adelaide Test.