Australian fast bowler Scott Boland has declared he won't be making radical changes to his successful bowling approach, despite England's clear intentions to target him with their aggressive Bazball strategy in the upcoming Ashes series.
Sticking to What Works
The Victorian paceman expressed his determination to maintain the methods that brought him remarkable success, including his famous debut performance where he claimed 6-7 during the 2021/22 home Ashes series. Boland's overall Test record stands at an impressive 62 wickets at an average of 16.53.
However, the 2023 series in England presented new challenges as the hosts employed flat pitches and aggressive batting to counter Australia's bowling attack. Boland managed only seven wickets at 48 across three matches during that tour, with England's Bazball approach proving effective against him.
Rising to the Challenge
With captain Pat Cummins and fellow quick Josh Hazlewood sidelined by injury, Boland finds himself in a leadership role within the bowling group ahead of Friday's first Test at Perth Stadium. He expressed confidence in both himself and potential debutant Brendan Doggett to fill the void.
"Obviously, you don't want to be missing two great players like Josh and Pat," Boland said on Monday. "But I think our bowling stocks have been really strong for quite a while."
The 31-year-old Doggett brings valuable first-class experience despite his Test inexperience, with Boland noting his teammate "knows his game and what he needs to do to express his skills on the big stage."
Perth Conditions and Physical Readiness
Although Boland hasn't played Test cricket at Optus Stadium, he plans to draw from his experience at the nearby WACA Ground. "I've played a lot at the WACA," he explained. "You don't have the big wind or the doctor coming in here; it doesn't affect you as much."
Regarding his physical preparedness for a potential five-Test workload, Boland stated confidently: "If it comes to that stage of I need to play five, I'm confident my body can get through."
The fast bowler reflected on his unexpected career trajectory since his MCG debut, describing it as "life-changing" and expressing gratitude for the opportunities that have come his way.
