Scott Boland has been named in Australia's XI for their World Test Championship starting Wednesday at The Oval in London, Aussie captain Pat Cummins has confirmed.
The 34-year-old Gulidjan quick was picked to face India for cricket's newest big international trophy ahead of Michael Neser to replace an injured Josh Hazlewood, ruled out with continued achilles and side troubles.
Despite his Sheffield Shield dominance and seemingly perfect skill set for English conditions, Boland's experience in the northern hemisphere is limited.
His only cricket in England came during a tour with the Indigenous squad in 2018.
Speaking last month, Boland conceded the option to play county cricket has been there in recent years, but he's chosen to steer clear in an effort to extend his longevity in the later stages of his career.
"I've wanted to (play county cricket)," he told cricket.com.au in May.
"But I know my body, that if I'm at a stage where I'm getting tired, I want to keep my career going for as long as I can. I don't want to burn out.
"(I avoid) bowling balls that aren't as important to me as bowling for Victoria or bowling for Australia.
A solid performance in the final is almost certain shore up a chance to replicate his 2021-22 Ashes heroics when Australia turns their attention to the old foe come June 16.
On Wednesday, Cummins said Boland is "very close" to being considered equal amongst Mitch Starc, Hazlewood and himself within Australia's pace brigade.
"We're big on kind of everyone bowling slightly differently," Cummins told reporters.
"Scott is a seam bowler on a good length, but he just offers something slightly different to Joshy Hazlewood, and Starcy being a left hander is a bit different."
He's taken 28 wickets at an enviable average of 13.42 across his seven tests since debuting 18 months ago.
25 wickets in five Tests, at a touch over 10 apiece.
Watch how Scott Boland's bowling average has progressed since his debut! 📉 pic.twitter.com/nrMzHAQB0I
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 22, 2022
Play begins in the World Test Championship at The Oval in London on Wednesday evening, Australian time.
