Ex-India star wants Josh Hazlewood to be picked ahead of Scott Boland for WTC final

The ex-India star in question here is Ravi Shastri, who believes that Hazlewood should be picked ahead of Boland for the WTC final as the former will be able to utilize the English conditions betterThe post Ex-India star wants Josh Hazlewood to be picked ahead of Scott Boland for WTC final appeared first on Cricket Country.

With Lord’s set to host the World Test Championship (WTC) final in June, former India cricketer Ravi Shastri firmly believes that Australia should select experienced pacer Josh Hazlewood ahead of Scott Boland since the former, much like the legendary Glenn McGrath, will be able to utilize the English conditions better.While the first two slots are virtually sealed with skipper Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc at the helm of the attack, barring an injury, the spot for the third quick could be up for discussion.While Australia also have the option of including all-rounder Beau Webster in their XI, the choice for the third seamer is likely to be between Hazlewood and Boland.

“It will be a very tough choice, but if Hazelwood is fit, then he gets the nod ahead of Boland. If Hazlewood is fit to do that, he will definitely get the nod for two reasons. One, (due to) the English conditions, (and) two, Lord’s with the slope.

The reason I say Lord’s slope is (because) Hazlewood is most likened to Glenn McGrath,” Shastri said on the ICC Review.“You’ve got to just check Glenn McGrath’s record at Lord’s, with the slope around and bowling from the Commentary Box end,” Shastri added.Hazlewood has turned out to be exceptional for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the ongoing IPL season.

On Thursday, he clinched 4 wickets, playing a pivotal role in RCB’s 11-run victory against the Rajasthan Royals.An all-time Australian great, McGrath has taken 26 wickets in 3 Tests at Lord’s, with the best figures of 8/38 in the second Test of Australia’s tour of England and Scotland in 1997.“He (McGrath) could be lethal with the ball either seaming back or going away and from either end, to be honest and I think Hazlewood can do something similar with his height,” Shastri said.

“The pitches aren’t as quick as in Australia, so you need that extra bit of height and bounce, which he will get as opposed to Scott Boland, though I’m a big fan of Scott Boland,” Shastri added.The post Ex-India star wants Josh Hazlewood to be picked ahead of Scott Boland for WTC final appeared first on Cricket Country..