'Maybe we go that wrong': Aussie coach explains Scott Boland's uncharacteristic start to The Ashes
Australia coach Andrew McDonald admits the first innings strategy for Scott Boland may have been wrong after an uncharacteristic performance on day one of the first Test was partly to blame for England's strong position early in the ga.
As the Aussie bowlers ripped through England at Perth, Boland was down on his usual outlay, finishing with 0-62 off 10 overs.
England has previously targeted Boland in the 2023 series and the same was expected for this series.
READ MORE: Both McLarens disqualified from Vegas GP after failing check
READ MORE: Apologies issued to Piastri, Norris after disqualifications
READ MORE: Hazlewood's injury 'worse than first thought'
It looked like it may be a long Test for Boland after the first innings but then the fast bowler of old returned in the second, taking 4-33.
Scott Boland during the first Test. Getty
Speaking to reporters on Monday, McDonald explained the plans didn't necessarily suit the Victorian.
"The plans we had on day one in Perth was to get it full and did we overpitch on day one? I think that was probably the reflection. So he was a little bit full and got driven down the ground," he said.
"I didn't think he bowled badly, I think potentially they played him well. And then we were able to settle back into that seven to eight metre length which he's exceptional at, he found the channel.
Scott Boland celebrates dismissing Ollie Pope. Getty
"There was a little more movement in our second innings as well with the ball, so I don't know whether that showed up in the numbers but there was a little more swing for us and Scotty was able to show that accuracy that he has over time.
"[He] got that extra bounce and became a little more challenging in that channel at that seven to eight metre length, which is his natural length.
"Maybe those plans on day one didn't suit Scotty ... maybe we got that wrong from a coaching perspective."
Overall in his career, Boland's average still sits at an incredible 16.96 from 15 matches.
Against England, Boland has taken 24 wickets at 20.75. His average in England is 48 after that 2023 series.
