Prime Minister anoints forgotten bowler as Test replacement

by Admin
November 30, 2024

Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese has called for fast bowler Scott Boland to be the replacement for Josh Hazlewood in the second Test.

Hazlewood pulled out of the squad for the Adelaide Oval clash with a side strain injury on Saturday.

It’s left a spot wide open in the bowling ranks, with Boland already named in the initial squad, despite not facing India in Perth.

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But Australia has still brought in two ready-made quicks into the squad, with Sean Abbott and Brendan Doggett being called up on Saturday.

While no official decision has been made on who will directly replace Hazlewood, Mr Albanese has called for selectors to go with what they know works.

Josh Hazlewood of Australia prepares to deliver a ball during day three of the First Test. Getty

“Scott Boland, I think deserves a call up. He has never let us down,” Mr Albanese said at the Prime Minister’s XI, which was delayed due to rain on day one in Canberra.

“He of course was very much a late starter, but I think that if you’re looking for a bit of a like-for-like (with Hazlewood), someone who keeps it tight, never lets you down.”

“Josh Hazlewood of course is an extraordinary bowler.”

But the prime minister is convinced Boland’s Test career would have played out very differently, had it not been for Australia possessing a genuine star line-up of bowlers in this generation.

Scott Boland of Australia unsuccessfully appeals for the LBW of Jonny Bairstow of England during Day Four of the LV= Insurance Ashes 1st Test match between England and Australia at Edgbaston Shaun Botterill via Getty Images

“Scott Boland is a bit unlucky that he’s around at the time of (Pat) Cummins and (Mitch) Starc and Hazlewood, who all offer different things to the team,” he said.

“I only get a role in the PM’s XI selections. It will be up to the Australian selectors of course.

“If it was up to me, that’s my suggestion. We will see if I have any influence in the broader sense.”

As for what lies ahead for Australia after their dismal 295-run loss to India in the opening Test, the Prime Minister is convinced a host-nation bounce back is on the cards.

“Australia, never write them off, I think they’ll come back strong in Adelaide,” he said.

“These two teams have had a great rivalry.”