Scott Boland ready to give it all in WTC final against South Africa

New Delhi: After an impressive performance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against India, Australia quick Scott Boland has set his sights on the upcoming World Test Championship (WTC) Final at Lord’s.

As the highly anticipated one-off Test between Australia and South Africa approaches, both teams have begun preparations for the summit clash. Boland, a key figure in Australia’s pace attack, has expressed his ambition to secure a spot in the squad for the marquee spectacle. 

“I’ve had my eye on that game since we qualified in January, so yeah I’ll be doing everything I can over the next two or three months to make sure I’m right for that game on June 11,” ICC quoted Boland as saying.

The 35-year-old played a crucial role in Australia’s triumphant 2023 WTC title, helping his side lift the mace for the first time. Boland’s five-wicket haul across two innings proved vital, particularly his impactful second-innings spell of 3-46 at The Oval, where he dismissed Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja to guide Australia to victory. 

Boland has consistently delivered in high-pressure situations, most recently shining in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series at home. Stepping up in the absence of Josh Hazlewood, who was sidelined with an injury after two Tests, Boland finished as the third-highest wicket-taker of the series with 21 scalps in just three matches. His standout performance came in the final Test in Sydney, where he claimed 6-45 in the second innings, helping Australia secure a 3-1 series win and reclaim the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after more than a decade. 

Currently recovering from a knee injury sustained during the Sheffield Shield, Boland is on the mend as he looks ahead to a packed cricketing schedule. He will face stiff competition from fellow pacers Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins, and Mitchell Starc for a place in the playing XI for the final. 

“I think it’s just working out what’s working and what doesn’t. I’ve only had this knee injury for eight to 10 months. I think we’re going about it the right way. I’ll have a little break now,” Boland said. IANS

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