Former Australia pacer Brett Lee shared his pick between Josh Hazlewood and Scott Boland ahead of the third Test, of the 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT), versus India at The Gabba, Brisbane. Josh Hazlewood played the series opener in Perth but missed the following Test, in Adelaide, due to injury (side strain). With him out of the playing XI, Pat Cummins-led hosts brought in Scott Boland for the pink-ball contest. With Hazlewood expected to be fit, Lee shared his choice between Scott Boland and the former.
Brett Lee feels that Josh Hazlewood should be part of Australia’s lineup for the Gabba Test if he is fit and ready. Lee said that Hazlewood should come in place of Scott Boland, despite the pacer’s brilliant performance in the Adelaide Test win.
Scott Boland’s impressive performance in pink ball test in absence of Josh Hazlewood
Hazlewood had a good outing in the Perth Test, which Australia lost by 295 runs. He ended with a five-wicket match haul. Scott Boland, on the other hand, also had an impressive run in Adelaide, with match figures of 5 for 105. Cummins & Co. won the day-night Test by ten wickets, riding on Travis Head’s 140, Mitchell Starc’s six-fer in the first innings and captain’s 5 for 57 in the second essay.
Lee, renowned for his own illustrious career, believes that if Hazlewood is fit, he should reclaim his spot in the team. Hazlewood’s impressive record of 278 wickets in 71 Tests underscores his status as one of the premier fast bowlers in the world. Lee emphasized that Hazlewood’s experience and proven track record make him a vital asset for Australia, especially following his five-wicket haul in the first Test against India
His confidence in Hazlewood stems from not just statistics but also from an understanding of what he brings to the bowling attack. In contrast, Scott Boland, despite his commendable performance in Hazlewood’s absence—taking five wickets in the second Test—has only played 11 Tests since his debut in 2021 due to injuries.
Scott Boland’s efforts proved to be crucial as Australia won the match by 10 wickets to level the series. The Australian medical staff will now examine Hazlewood and see how he will perform during the main training session on Thursday, December 12, before making a call. Lee said that it would be tough to drop Boland, but if Hazlewood is fit then he would come back into the side.
Scott Boland’s recent performance was indeed impressive; he played a crucial role in Australia’s victory over India by 10 wickets in Adelaide. However, with Hazlewood expected to return to fitness, Boland might find himself sidelined once again. Lee acknowledged this difficult decision for selectors but maintained that form and past achievements must guide their choices.
Scott Boland’s journey has been marked by both promise and misfortune. Lee likened Boland’s situation to that of Stuart MacGill during Shane Warne‘s era, suggesting that Scott Boland is a quality bowler who has simply found himself overshadowed by other exceptional talents like Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc.
Brett Lee has said that if Josh Hazlewood is fit for the Gabba Test against India then he should slot back into the Australia lineup instead of Scott Boland. Hazlewood had missed the Adelaide Test win due to a side strain as Boland came in to replace him. During the match, the pacer, who was playing his first Test in almost 18 months, picked up 5 wickets across both innings.
Brett Lee’s takes hilarious dig at Australia pacer Scott Boland ahead of BGT 2024-25 3rd Test
Former Australia speedster Brett Lee believes that Josh Hazlewood should play ahead of Scott Boland in the third Test against India in Brisbane, which starts on December 14. Lee reckoned that Boland is no match for Hazlewood, who he believes is a quality bowler.
The cricketer-turned-commentator, however, lauded Boland for delivering in Hazlewood’s absence (due to a low grade left side injury) citing the example of Stuart MacGill during Shane Warne’s era.
For the unversed, Scott Boland picked up five wickets in Hazlewood’s absence in the second Test, where Australia won by 10 wickets. This was his first Test since Ashes 2023.
The 35-year-old Scott Boland has played just 11 Tests with 40 wickets since making his debut in 2021. He has missed a majority of games due to injuries.
On the other hand, Hazlewood has bagged 278 wickets in 71 Tests. He was recently grilled by experts for his comments regarding the batters in a 534-run chase in the series opener.
Brett Lee told Fox Sports (via Indian Express):
“It’s unfortunate for Scott Boland because when he’s had his opportunity he’s nailed it. I look at Scott Boland and I probably think he’s a bit like MacGill playing in the Warne era.”
MacGill took 200 Test wickets bowling when Shane Warne was either injured or out for other reasons. So he was a quality, quality bowler,” he added.
Brett Lee reckoned that Australia should give Josh Hazlewood the new ball in the Brisbane Test against India subject to his availability owing to his fitness. Lee said in the same interaction:
“Look it’s a tough one but you’d have to go back on form and what Josh Hazlewood has done. For me personally, Josh Hazlewood slips straight back in. If he’s fully fit he gets the new ball or at least is definitely back in the team.”
Josh Hazlewood had picked up five wickets, including a four-wicket haul, in the first Test in Perth but India won that game by 295 runs. The 33-year-old has bagged 56 wickets in 16 Tests against India. The third Test between Australia and India will start from December 14 in Brisbane.
Scott Boland’s efforts proved to be crucial as Australia won the match by 10 wickets to level the series. The Australian medical staff will now examine Hazlewood and see how he will perform during the main training session on Thursday, December 12, before making a call. Lee said that it would be tough to drop Boland, but if Hazlewood is fit then he would come back into the side.