As ICC World Test Championship is done and dusted, Australia will be looking forward to the Ashes, which is going to commence from 16th June 2023 onwards. Michael Vaughan believes that the ‘Bazball’ model has worked against many teams, but it might fail against Australia due to its formidable seaming attack. The ICC WTC Final showcased Australia’s robust bowling unit, especially Scott Boland who came to fill in the role of Hazelwood and played exceptionably well.
Scott Boland took five wickets in the ICC WTC 2021-23 final, which makes him the highest wicket-taker in the series alongside his teammate Nathan Lyon, who has also scalped 5 wickets in total. The Australian Team will now be in a dilemma, who to play after Hazelwood would be recovered from his Achilles Injury ahead of the marquee Ashes.
“I Think Boland Has To Play. Unfortunately, I Think Hazelwood Has To Miss Out..” – Mark Waugh
Ricky Pointing, Mark Waugh, Brad Haddin and Michael Vaughan speaking on Fox Cricket’s Edgbaston Ashes preview on Monday (12th June) discussed the issue of Hazelwood and Scott Boland and which Australia’s fast bowler should be in playing XI. They stated:
“(Bazball) has worked against most teams they’ve played, but this Australian Team is different though. They’re relentless bowling unit. They’ll try though. Scott Boland, they’ll be running at him like a spinner.” said Michael Vaughan
“If there is no doubt about Hazelwood breaking down… I think Hazelwood comes in. I think we’ve seen that…Boland has never played when Hazelwood is fit.” said Brad Haddin.
“If you said this 12 months ago that Hazelwood would be left out of the team, someone would think you’re mad. He’s very unlucky Hazelwood… but I think Boland has to play. Unfortunately I think Hazelwood has to miss out.” said Mark Waugh.
“He is one bowler they will try and run down the pitch to. He doesn’t have the trajectory of Hazelwood or Cummins.” he added.