NEWS
Follow UsA day before Australia take on India in the summit clash of the World Test Championship at the Oval on June 7, Pat Cummins has all but confirmed Scott Boland's inclusion in the playing XI in the absence of Josh Hazlewood.
The right-arm pacer has pipped Micheal Neser for the final bowling spot in the playing XI alongside Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon and Cameron Green.
Ahead of the much-awaited clash, the Aussie skipper confirmed Boland's maiden appearance in England and also explained that Australia will have no surprise in the playing XI for the final.
"Scott is a seam bowler on a good length, but he just offers something slightly different to Josh Hazlewood, and Starcy being a left-hander is a bit different, Cummins said, as quoted by cricket.com.au.
"So I don't think there's ever a pecking order. You think about the three guys that you want to go out and play. That's the luxury of having bench strength," he said. "Hazlewood was really close to being available for this one, so he'll be available for the first Ashes Test."
"'Ness', you see how well he's been doing in county cricket. Sean Abbott's here, so I'm sure we'll be calling on a lot of resources. You don't want to finish off a Test match with something left in the tank knowing that you've got other guys fresh that you could bring in a few days later," he further added.
Explaining the decision to go with Boland, Cummins stated that his ability to bowl consistently in one spot would help the team reap massive dividends in England.
"In the past here in England, because the ball does talk a little more, I've seen players get too caught up in trying to take wickets every ball because you've suddenly got the ball swinging and seaming."
"Someone like Scotty, it's just a really simple game plan – you hit your good areas, and you stay there all day, and hopefully, the ball will do the work for you. He's had a few bowls over here now and has looked good," he added.
Australia have also acquired the services of Andy Flower for the final against India, and the upcoming Ashes series as a consultant, and Cummins feels the former England Coach will help the team understand the conditions a lot better.
"Today was his first time around the group. He'll dip in and out, a different voice. He knows these conditions really well, hopefully, knows the opposition. If he can give us one little bit of insight into playing in England that we haven't thought about, then it's worth it.
"Andrew's worked with him quite a bit, and you've seen us over the years bring in different people at different times. Pretty lucky to have someone as experienced as Andy," he concluded.
