Australia skipper Pat Cummins has unveiled the bowling unit for the World Test Championship (WTC) final against India, starting June 7 at The Oval.
On Sunday (June 4), key pacer Josh Hazlewood got ruled out of the marquee clash due to his ongoing Achilles and side issue and Michael Neser earned a call-up to Australia's 15-member squad.
However, Cummins on Tuesday (June 6) confirmed that Scott Boland has pipped Neser to be a part of Australia’s WTC playing XI.
While Cummins didn’t reveal the entire XI, he mentioned that there are "no surprises" in the rest of the side’s composition.
Talking about Boland, he has impressed one and all with an astonishing start to his Test career, claiming 28 wickets in seven matches at an average of 13.42.
Since Boland doesn’t have much experience of playing red-ball cricket in England, the Australian captain reckons he will need little adjustment or direction to flourish.
"In the past here in England, because the ball does talk a little more, I've seen players get too caught up in trying to take wickets every ball because you've suddenly got the ball swinging and seaming," said Cummins, as quoted by ICC.
"Someone like Scotty, it's just a really simple game-plan – you hit your good areas and you stay there all day and hopefully the ball will do the work for you.
"He's had a few bowls over here now and has looked good. But he looks good whenever he bowls."
Australia are likely to stick with David Warner at the top of the order alongside Usman Khawaja. Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith are certainties at No.3 and No.4 spots while Travis Head, Cameron Green and Alex Carey should complete the top seven.
Australia Squad: Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey (wk), Cameron Green, Marcus Harris, Travis Head, Josh Inglis (wk), Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Todd Murphy, Michael Neser, Steve Smith (vc), Mitchell Starc, David Warner
Likely Australia XI: David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland
(With ICC Inputs)
