WTC Final: Shastri Advocates for Hazlewood Over Boland in Australia's Pace Lineup at Lord's
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Synopsis
In the lead-up to the World Test Championship final, Ravi Shastri favors Josh Hazlewood over Scott Boland for Australia's pace attack, citing the conditions at Lord's as a significant factor.
Key Takeaways
- Ravi Shastri prefers Josh Hazlewood over Scott Boland for the WTC final.
- Conditions at Lord's may favor Hazlewood's bowling style.
- Hazlewood has returned to form in the IPL with 12 wickets.
- Shastri draws parallels between Hazlewood and Glenn McGrath.
- Boland played a crucial role in Australia's recent matches.
Dubai, April 25 (NationPress) Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has endorsed the seasoned bowler Josh Hazlewood over Scott Boland to be part of Australia's pace unit alongside skipper Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc for the World Test Championship final against South Africa at Lord's.
With Australia expected to choose three pacers and one spinner for this crucial match, Boland's inclusion is uncertain despite his excellent performance during the series against India.
“This will be a challenging decision, but if Hazlewood is fit, he should be preferred over Boland,“ Shastri stated during The ICC Review.
Hazlewood missed three out of five Tests in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against India, as well as Australia's tour to Sri Lanka and the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 earlier this year due to persistent calf injuries.
Nevertheless, the 34-year-old has made a successful return to competitive cricket through the Indian Premier League, where he has shown impressive form for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, taking 12 wickets in his first eight games.
Even though Ravi Shastri has been a long-time supporter of Boland, he believes that the conditions at Lord’s might be more favorable for Hazlewood’s accuracy and consistent line and length.
“If Hazlewood is healthy, he will certainly be chosen for two reasons: first, the English conditions, and second, the slope at Lord’s. The slope at Lord’s is especially beneficial for Hazlewood, who shares similarities with Glenn McGrath,” the former India all-rounder explained.
“You can just look at Glenn McGrath's record at Lord’s, factoring in the slope and his bowling from the Commentary Box end.”
Shastri drew a parallel between Hazlewood and the legendary Glenn McGrath, who captured 26 wickets in three Test matches at Lord’s, with a remarkable best of 8-38 in the second Test during Australia’s Tour of England and Scotland in 1997.
“He (McGrath) was deadly with the ball, whether it was seaming back or moving away, and from either end, to be frank, and I believe Hazlewood can replicate that with his height,” Shastri remarked.
“The pitches are not as fast as those in Australia. Thus, you require that additional height and bounce, which Hazlewood will achieve compared to Scott Boland, although I am a significant admirer of Boland.”
Boland has an impressive record in Australian colors and was instrumental in the 2023 World Test Championship Final against India, where he secured five wickets across both innings.
His standout effort came in the second innings, where he delivered an exceptional spell of 3-46, taking the vital wickets of Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja.
He also contributed to Australia’s home series win over India in 2024/25, ensuring their spot in a consecutive World Test Championship final. Shastri suggested that the Australians might contemplate deploying an all-pace attack against South Africa.
“Ideally, you would want to field all four (seamers) if the conditions allow and if there’s a bit more grass on the pitch,” Shastri concluded.
