Australian pacer Scott Boland might miss the fifth and final Ashes Test at the Bellerive Oval, Hobart which begins on Friday, January 14th. It was reported that the player suffered an elbow and rib injury during the 4th Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground that ended in a draw.

32-year-old Boland, who emerged to be the hero of the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, picking 7 wickets, including 6/7 in second innings, reportedly “played through pain” in Sydney after falling on his elbow and ribs.

“With the help of painkillers, Boland was able to push through and continue bowling," The Age reported on Tuesday.

Boland has shown tremendous form in the Ashes and has been successful in taking 14 wickets in 2 Tests at an average of 8.64.

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Boland’s injury is a reason to worry for the Australian side as several other bowlers have been side-lined over the course of the series. Australian skippers Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc are only certain to play in the Hobart Test from Friday.

Skipper Cummins had missed the Adelaide Test due to COVID-19 protocols; Josh Hazelwood has been side-lined after the opening Test at The Gabba with a complaint of a side strain. The new young pacer, Jhye Richardson has also been facing injury issues since the Adelaide Test and therefore, is unlikely to play in the final Ashes Test.

If Boland is declared unfit for the test, then Michael Neser could be a likely replacement for the Victorian. Neser was included in the XI during the Adelaide Test but missed the Boxing Day Test at SCG.

(IANS Inputs)