George Bailey, the Australian selector says Scott Boland’s incredible Test debut is a “great headache” to have as the Sydney Test draws near.
Victorian Scott Boland was the hero on the third day of the Boxing Day Test, claiming 6-7 from four overs as Australia retained the Ashes after taking an unassailable 3-0 lead in the 5 Test series.
George Bailey Asserts It’s A Great Headache For Australia To Pick An XI For The 4th Sydney Test After Debutant Scott Boland Takes 6/7
But with injured veteran pacer Josh Hazlewood on the brink of return from injury, and pacers Michael Neser and Jhye Richardson firmly in the mix after solid performances in Adelaide, Scott Boland could yet make way after just one Test, a surprise one at his age of 32. Scott Boland sealed a Boxing Day Test debut to remember, as Australia retained the urn after storming to a crushing win over England
“It’s a great headache,” George Bailey said.
“We don’t mind a headache at this time of year. I would much rather have that headache and some tough decisions to make than be scratching our heads trying to find a solution for a problem. Looking forward to working through that one,” George Bailey said.
“Obviously some hard conversations to be had at some point. We’d love nothing more than a full squad to be able to pick from. There were a few moving parts for Scott to grab that opportunity. He’s been on that radar,” George Bailey said.
“We’ve spoken a lot about our desire to try and build some depth and robustness within our teams. It all just fell into place. The fact we have Pat (Cummins), Josh, and Mitch (Starc) as three premier world-class fast bowlers across all three formats is a great problem and a credit to them,” George Bailey said.
Scott Boland surprised himself with a sensational debut at his home ground. The Victorian pacer returned with figures of 4-1-7-6 as Australia bowled England out for 68 in the second innings to retain the Ashes with two matches to go. He received the Johnny Mullagh medal as a player of the match in front of his home crowd.
George Bailey Would Love To See Mitchell Swepson Debut But It Will Be Dependent On Conditions For The 4th Test
Added to the complication of the bowling line-up is that the Sydney Cricket Ground is traditionally a spinning pitch, with the Australian selectors considering whether they pick Queenslander Mitchell Swepson as a leg-spin option alongside Nathan Lyon’s off-spin. Mitchell Swepson has been picked in seven Test squads since 2017 but is yet to make his debut.
“We’d love nothing more than for (Swepson) to get an opportunity but it will be conditions dependent,” George Bailey said.
“One of the things that are really hard — and I think Michael Neser has been the biggest example of this over the last couple of years — is that being on the periphery of some teams … it can make it really hard because you’re so close but you’re not necessarily playing as much for your state or Big Bash franchise as much as you’d like.”
“We’ve got no doubt that whether it’s the SCG, or whether it’s some time in the future, that ‘Sweppo’ is ready. We love having him around the group, love everything he is bringing. His cricket gets better and better.”
Josh Hazlewood has been missing from the Test team since straining his side in the 1st Test in Brisbane, but selector George Bailey said he was confident the fast bowler would make the right call on whether he was fit enough to play in Sydney-the venue of the 4th Test.
“I’ve got pretty good faith that if (Hazlewood) is confident and he says he’s right to go, I think we’d back him in. He’s earned that trust,” George Bailey said.
“They put a hell of a lot of pride and effort into each and every Test and I don’t think the series being wrapped up will take away from that. For (Hazlewood) in particular, the opportunity to play a Test match in his home state as well, I think there’s always plenty to play for,” George Bailey said.
George Bailey also backed in under-fire opener Marcus Harris to build on his impressive first-innings knock at the MCG, after he top-scored for Australia with 76.
“I think Harry has looked really good in the series,” George Bailey said.
“There have been a couple of good catches that have dismissed him at different times. Can’t give him enough credit for that knock last week given the challenge of the wicket as an opening batter. [He was] the glue there. [It] was exactly what you’re after from an opening batsman. I thought that was a great example of how Harry can play and contribute to this team, so really pleased for him,” George Bailey said.
The 4th Test of this Ashes series will begin on January 5 as Australia would be eying for another whitewash. Notable that England hadn’t won a Test in Australia since January 2019.