Victorian paceman nears Test debut as Australia adds Scott Boland to Ashes squad
Australia may have another Test debutant to trot out on Boxing Day after adding bowler Scott Boland to the squad.
The Victorian right-arm paceman comes in and joins fellow quicks Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, Michael Neser, and Jhye Richardson in the 16-player group.
Neser and Richardson both played in Adelaide in place of Cummins and Hazlewood, who are rated among the top four Test bowlers in the world.
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But Boland is now a chance of debuting at his home ground, the MCG, on Sunday.
"Boland has been training with the team in Adelaide and joins the squad while the medical team assesses the fast bowling group following the second Test victory," Cricket Australia said.
Scott Boland during the Tour Match between Australia A and England Lions. Getty
Most recently, Boland took two wickets for Australia A against the Brisbane Lions in the tour match in Brisbane.
But his Sheffield Shield form is outstanding. This season he's taken 15 wickets in two matches for Victoria at a phenomenal average of just 10.
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He was also the 2018-19 Shield player of the summer.
The 32-year-old has played one-day and T20 cricket for Australia., but is yet to earn his baggy green.
He averages 26.03 in first-class cricket for Victoria but his record in Melbourne is particularly strong.
Cummins will return to the line-up after a COVID-19 close contact ruined his Adelaide match, but there remains significant doubt over Hazlewood, who injured a bowling muscle during the first Test.
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