Scott Boland dropped for first men’s Test of Australian summer

Callan Morse Published November 30, 2022 at 6.00am (AWST)

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Boland's debut figures of 1-48 and 6-7 earned him Player of the Match honours and the Johnny Mullagh Medal in Australia's innings and 14 run victory over England in last season's Boxing Day Ashes test. Image: Getty/Robert Cianflone.

Ashes bolter Scott Boland is the only omission from Australia's test cricket side, who tomorrow begin a two-test series against the West Indies.

The Gulidjan seam bowler has been overlooked by selectors in preference for a pace bowling attack consisting of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc for the first test which begins at Perth Stadium tomorrow.

Boland is the only change to the Australian side, who last played against England in the 5th test of last summer's Ashes series, a campaign which Australia comprehensively won 4-0.

Instrumental in Australia's series victory, Boland delivered Player of the Match figures of 6-7 whilst on debut in last year's Boxing Day test against England saw him play three tests, averaging an incredible 9.55 with the ball.

His place in the side has been taken by fellow pace bowler Josh Hazlewood, who hasn't played a test since the first of last season's Ashes series opener in Brisbane.

Australia will compete for the Frank Worrell trophy against the West Indies for the first time on Australian soil in seven years.