Boland headache for Australia ahead of WTC final

AUSTRALIA pacer Scott Boland, who is finally "pain-free" for the first time in 18 months, is determined to give selectors a tough decision as he pushes for a place in the World Test Championship final next week, ahead of Josh Hazlewood.

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The 36-year-old seamer is fighting for a spot in the WTC final XI, despite being named Player of the Match in his most recent Test appearance against India in Sydney this January.

He was left out of the squad during the Sri Lanka tour, where Australia opted for one fast bowler and three spinners in both Tests. Since then, Boland hasn't played any cricket, last appearing for Victoria in the second-last match of the Sheffield Shield season in early March, due to persistent knee soreness.

"I'm happy with how my body's feeling. Pain free for probably the first time in about 18 months. So it's feeling really good," Boland said.

Boland made a significant impact in the Border-Gavaskar series, taking 21 wickets at an average of 13 in three Tests while filling in for the injured Hazlewood. He also stood out as Australia’s best fast bowler in the 2023 WTC final, where he was preferred over Hazlewood.