Boland vs. Hazlewood: Australia’s Tough Call for Test Attack Leader

Legendary former Australian wicketkeeper Ian Gealy believes that Scott Boland has overtaken Josh Hazlewood in the Test bowling hierarchy, behind only Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc. Hazelwood has long been part of the elite three, but frequent injuries have made him lose consistency, while Boland impressed against India in the Border-Gavaskar series, taking 21 wickets at an average of 13.19.

Gealy said Australia cannot afford to lose Hazlewood regularly, as he has played only 16 of the last 34 Tests. Boland, on the other hand, has proven effective in the conditions that have favoured him, especially on the pitches of Australia and England.

Gealy suggested that the Australians could use a rotation, with Boland playing on fast and rough pitches, while Hazelwood remains an option for other conditions.