Ashes 2021-22: Scott Boland likely to miss closing Test in Hobart

Australian fast bowler Scott Boland is likely to miss the upcoming fifth Ashes Test scheduled to be played in Hobart on January 14. Boland has reportedly suffered an elbow and rib injury during the last Test match. England managed to draw the fourth Test on the fifth day after Australia failed to dismiss the last batting pair of James Anderson and Stuart Broad. Boland sustained the injury after falling on his elbow and ribs but continued to bowl despite the pain.

Boland made his debut during the Boxing Day Test match which Australia won by an innings and 14 runs. He was adjudged player of the match as he picked a six-wicket haul during the second innings which helped Australia bundle up the English batting order for 68 runs. Boland is currently third on the list of bowlers with the most wickets in the ongoing Ashes. He has taken 14 wickets in two matches at an average of 8.64, which is the best among all the bowlers.

“With the help of painkillers, Boland was able to push through and continue bowling,” The Age reported on Tuesday.

Boland’s absence is likely to affect the already suffering Australian bowling attack. Josh Hazlewood who was sidelined after sustaining an injury is also not fit enough to feature in the next Test match. Jhye Richardson who featured in the Adelaide Test is also out with injury and hence, might not be able to make it to the final playing 11.

Michael Neser might replace Scott Boland

Michael Neser who made his Test debut during the Adelaide Test is the only option for Australia now. He picked a total of two wickets in his debut game including the wicket of Dawid Malan in the second innings. Neser was not included in both the Melbourne and Sydney Test.

Neser has received massive support from social media where several campaigns have run in the last few months after his successful run in the Sheffield Shield. He has played two ODIs for Australia since making his debut back in June 2018 against England. Neser has picked 238 wickets in first-class cricket at an average of 24.52.