Aussie cricket coach Andrew McDonald has rejected suggestions from England that Scott Boland could be a major weakness for the Australians in the Ashes. Boland looks set to play a huge role in the Test series against the old enemy this summer, with mystery surrounding when Pat Cummins will be fit to play - if at all.
Cummins has a back issue and is said to be up against it to play in the first Test on November 21, and there's been suggestions he might miss the whole series. The captain's absence would open the door for Boland, who has been an absolute superstar at home over the last few summers.
He wasn't as effective in England during the 2023 Ashes series, with the Poms' high-octane approach bringing him unstuck on flatter pitches. Speaking last week, former England captain Michael Atherton said the tourists will be licking their lips at the prospect of facing Boland rather than Cummins.
But responding on Sunday, McDonald pointed out that Boland is a different beast at home and said any belief that England have figured out the Victorian is based on a 'false economy'. Boland famously took 6-7 on debut in the Boxing Day Test against England in 2021, and McDonald warned England to expect that version this time around.
The Victorian's career average of 16.53 is the best of any bowler in the past 100 years, while his economy-rate of 2.75 is the best of any front-line seamer since his debut. The only blip in his career has...
Aussie cricket coach Andrew McDonald has rejected suggestions from England that Scott Boland could be a major weakness for the Australians in the Ashes. Boland looks set to play a huge role in the ...