Scott Boland front-runner ahead of Josh Hazlewood for place in ICC WTC final, hints selector George Bailey

Scott Boland to be the third seamer in Australia's playing XI instead of Josh Hazlewood, reckons chief selector George Bailey

After the conclusion of the high-profile season of the Indian Premier League, attention has shifted to the much-awaited World Test Champion 2021-2023 Final. The WTC final is scheduled to take place at the Oval, which will kick off on June 7. Both teams have reached the UK and started practicing. However, the biggest question ahead of the final will be the team's selection for both teams.

Australia, who have probably the best pace bowling options available, will have a big headache picking their pacers for the playing XI. Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc will be the first-choice pacers, but who will be the third seamer in the team? The team has the options of Josh Hazlewood, Scott Boland, Michael Neser, and Cameron Green. The chief selector of Australia, George Bailey, has come up with a major hint that Australia might go with Boland over Hazlewood.

George Bailey hints at Scott Boland's inclusion in WTC Final over Josh Hazlewood

It will be a great chance for the Men in Yellow to add another ICC title to their cabinet with a win over India in the upcoming World Test Championship final. The conditions in England also favor them, which is pretty similar to the conditions in Australia. Adding to that, their pace attack way better as compared to the Indian pace attack.

Notably, Hazlewood missed the entire Border-Gavaskar series in India due to an injury. He is fit to go now. But will Australia bet on him or they will stick with Boland, who has decent an incredible job in his absence in recent times. Bailey gave a hint on Australia's combination for the WTC final. In the latest media interaction, Bailey said, "The way we are looking at that is it’s a culmination of what’s been a pretty consistent two years. It’s been a pretty similar team for a long period of time. We are confident that’s a team and that’s a make-up that can have success."

Boland has made a strong mark for himself with 28 wickets in seven tests. He played one game in the BGT series in India but went wicketless. On the other hand, Hazlewood played few IPL matches and is pretty good to go. Notably, Australia will also play the Ashes series against England after the WTC final.