When you looked at the two original squads on paper and then coupled that with the fact that Australia is playing at home, we always knew that the hosts were going to dominate the Ashes 2021/22 series. However, it’s been super one-sided until now with the hosts going 2-0 up as we’re all set for the 3rd Test now, this one being the famous Boxing Day Test Match.
It’s an amazing feeling to make your first appearance in Test cricket in this Test match, especially with crowds back in the stadiums and all set to enjoy a game during this festive, year-end season. And that feeling is going to be enjoyed by Hobart Hurricanes pacer Scott Boland who is a shock call-up to the national side for the 3rd Test which will be played at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
Having represented Melbourne Stars in the past, the pacer Boland has also played for the national side in all other formats, playing 14 ODIs and 3 T20Is for Australia. His last appearance however was in October 2016 and now, he’s got a surprise call back, 5 years later. more importantly, it’ll be his first appearance in the longest format, set to become Australia’s 463rd Test cricketer to get a Baggy Green.
Scoot Boland gets Test debut
Jhye Richardson and Michael Neser both played their first games of the series in the 2nd Test and after that crushing win which took them 2-0 up, both have pulled up sore and will miss the 3rd Test at MCG. So one replacement is returning captain Pat Cummins while the other is the debutant, Boland. In fact, Australia also handed a debut to Neser in the last game, and he had a decent outing himself.
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Now most cricket fans may be wondering how this selection came about especially since Boland only played one game for Hurricanes this season, where he wasn’t even very effective. But let us tell you he had a great Sheffield Shield tournament before BBL 11 began, ending as the fourth highest wicket taker with 30 scalps in just 8 games. Hence, he’s getting a call-up at the age of 32 years!
Pat Cummins on Boland debut
“Really excited for Scotty, class player, debuting here on his ground. Jhye and Ness pulled up a little bit sore after Adelaide, so (we) made the decision to bring in Scotty. It’s a luxury to have someone like him really to go, so he’s fresh and he’s been consistent for so long and excited he gets his chance,” said captain Pat Cummins ahead of the 2021 Boxing Day Test.
At 32, Scott Boland has received his best ever Christmas gift, locked in by Pat Cummins to become Australia’s third debutant this Ashes series, and fourth in five Tests, following Pucovski, Carey and Michael Neser. The MCG specialist is in for Jhye Richardson. Cummins for Neser. https://t.co/vzI3bjVma2
— Sam Landsberger (@SamLandsberger) December 24, 2021
Possible equally as important as him getting his Test cap is the fact that he’s only the second Indigenous player to represent Australia, after Jason Gillespie. Australia has been following a great rotation system so far (though it’s likely forced, as they’ve cited injuries) and the pacers are fresh and ready to draw blood once again. Will they go 3-0 up at the MCG?!
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