Pat Cummins Calls Scott Boland’s Omission From WTC Final “Really Unfortunate”: Australia’s Tough Bowling Call Explained

Australia’s preparations for the World Test Championship (WTC) Final 2025 at Lord’s are in full swing, but a major decision has sparked discussion in the cricketing world. Australian captain Pat Cummins addressed the media just days before the high-stakes showdown against South Africa on June 11, revealing that fast bowler Scott Boland will not feature in the playing XI.

Cummins didn’t hide his disappointment over leaving Boland out. He openly acknowledged that the decision had nothing to do with Boland’s recent form or performance. In fact, he described the pacer’s exclusion as “really unfortunate,” signaling just how difficult the selection call was for the Australian team management.

Cummins Explains the Selection Dilemma

In his press conference ahead of the final, Pat Cummins stated:

“There are some guys where you generally say you’ve done nothing wrong, don’t change a thing, and that’s Scott, and he’s just really unfortunate to miss out.”

This honest admission reflects the faith the team holds in Scott Boland. Over the past few years, Boland has emerged as one of Australia’s most reliable Test bowlers, especially in seamer-friendly conditions. His precise line, relentless discipline, and ability to generate movement from even docile surfaces have made him a key part of Australia’s red-ball setup.

However, in the quest to field the most balanced bowling attack for the Lord’s pitch, the management preferred Hazlewood’s experience and adaptability.

Scott Boland’s omission underscores a unique “problem” for Australia—an embarrassment of riches in the pace bowling department. With Cummins leading the charge, supported by Mitchell Starc, Cameron Green as the all-rounder, and now Hazlewood making a return, the management had only one remaining pace slot to fill.

Although Boland has delivered standout performances, including a match-winning spell at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) during the 2021 Ashes series, he often finds himself on the sidelines due to the stiff competition.

His Test record is nothing short of phenomenal—averaging below 25 with the ball and maintaining a high strike rate. Despite all this, he continues to wait in the wings for opportunities, making him arguably one of the most under-utilized match-winners in the modern era of Australian cricket.

Josh Hazlewood Gets the Nod: Why the Move Makes Sense

While Boland’s exclusion triggered sympathy, the decision to include Josh Hazlewood wasn’t without logic. Having played over 60 Tests, he has taken more than 250 wickets and remains one of the most dependable bowlers in world cricket when fully fit.

His classical seam position, combined with the knack for exploiting English conditions, makes him a strong choice for a final at Lord’s—where lateral movement and bounce often decide matches.

Though injuries plagued him in recent years, Hazlewood looks fit and firing ahead of the WTC Final. His return offers Australia not just reliability, but also an edge in exploiting the South African batting lineup’s vulnerability against sustained swing and seam.

Strategic Considerations: The Lord’s Factor

Lord’s, often called “The Home of Cricket,” has a unique pitch that favors swing and seam, especially under cloudy skies. The slope at Lord’s also adds an extra dimension for bowlers who know how to use it cleverly.

In that regard, Hazlewood’s ability to pitch the ball up and allow it to move naturally might give Australia a slight advantage. His previous experiences in England—both in Tests and limited-overs formats—could have played a role in tipping the scales in his favor.

Reactions Across the Cricketing World

Cricket fans and former players didn’t hesitate to voice their opinions. Many felt that Boland, with his consistent red-ball performances, deserved to be in the starting XI. Others, however, pointed out that these are the kind of “luxury problems” teams like Australia are fortunate to have.

The general consensus acknowledges Boland’s unfortunate exclusion while also respecting the strategic merit behind Hazlewood’s inclusion. Former cricketers such as Ricky Ponting and Michael Vaughan emphasized that such depth and competition within the squad are signs of a world-class team.

What’s Next for Boland?

Additionally, given Hazlewood’s injury history, team management might choose to rotate the bowling unit across the five-match Ashes-like calendar that follows the WTC Final. Boland’s ability to slot in seamlessly ensures Australia can rely on him when called upon.

Final Thoughts

Scott Boland’s omission from the WTC Final 2025 playing XI is a stark reminder of how fierce the competition is within elite cricket teams. Pat Cummins’ words weren’t mere consolation; they revealed the kind of high-pressure decisions captains and selectors face, especially when every choice can sway the outcome of a match with global stakes.

As Australia take on South Africa at Lord’s on June 11, all eyes will focus on whether the gamble pays off. Will Hazlewood’s return reinforce Australia’s supremacy in red-ball cricket? Or will the team look back and wonder what Boland could’ve done in the biggest match of the Test calendar?

Either way, one thing is certain—Scott Boland remains a trusted weapon in Australia’s Test arsenal, and his time to shine again will surely come.

Join Sports Samachaar for all things cricket and never miss a moment of the action!