‘Don’t want to burn out’ – Scott Boland on turning down opportunity to play county cricket to keep himself fresh ahead of long fixture

Australia pacer Scott Boland expressed that he prioritises keeping himself fresh for the national side after turning down the opportunity to play county cricket. Notably, the pacer stated that he was gearing up for the forthcoming ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2021-23 Final against India and the eagerly-awaited Ashes 2023.

Making sacrifices in order to remain on top of his game, Boland revealed that he had to turn down the offer of playing county cricket, considering the crucial Australian summer ahead of him.

"I've wanted to (play county cricket). But I know my body, that if I'm at a stage where I'm getting tired, I want to keep my career going for as long as I can. I don't want to burn out. (I avoid) bowling balls that aren't as important to me as bowling for Victoria or bowling for Australia,” Boland told cricket.com.au.

“(I wanted to) come into the (Australian) summer being pretty fresh. That's when I'm playing my best. I did have the opportunity to play county cricket this year, but I prioritised being a bit fresher going into six Tests in two months,” he added.

It will be tough for fast bowlers to play all six games: Scott Boland

Following the conclusion of the crucial WTC Final against team India, the Aussies will engage in a five-match series against arch-rivals England. The Ashes 2023 is scheduled to kickstart on Friday, June 16 in Edgbaston and in that context, Boland opined that the pacers would have a challenging time playing all six Test matches. However, he further added that he would be ready for the challenge whenever the think tank decides to play him.

"It will be tough for fast bowlers to play all six games. I'm definitely preparing to play. It could be at the start, it could be halfway through, I'm not sure. But I'm planning to play and excited to play whenever they choose me,” he added.