Published: Sep 24, 2016, 04:01 PM (IST)
Edited: Sep 24, 2016, 04:01 PM (IST)
Australia’s pacer Scott Boland is hopeful that the pitch in South Africa and Ireland for One-Day International (ODI) series will be similar to that of Australia. Boland was part of the recently concluded ODI series against Sri Lanka that was played on slow tracks. Boland, who will play a crucial role in the absence of Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood, hoped that he can replicate the pacers in some manner. Boland however feels that the pitch at Johannesburg is slightly different challenge. It was in the same place where Ricky Ponting’s Australia put up a mammoth total of 434 set against South Africa, only to see the target chased down with a ball to spare amid famously euphoric scenes, only to see the target chased down with a ball to spare amid famously euphoric scenes.
Speaking to cricket.com.au, Boland said, “Hopefully the wickets are a bit more like Australia, fast and bouncy. But in one-day cricket I think they try to make the wickets as flat as possible. We’ll hopefully be prepared for that and that’s why we’re here nice and early, to get ready to bowl on these wickets after coming from Sri Lanka. It was the first time I’d played in Sri Lanka, the first time I’d been there so it was a good experience. Because there was no grass on the wickets (in Sri Lanka) there was a lot of natural variation for you, so you didn’t have to actually change a lot in your action. The wicket did it for you, and when you’re doing that it makes it a lot harder for the batters as well.”
The conditions in South Africa are more to favour batsmen especially Wanderers where Australia will take on South Africa for the second ODI on October 2. Boland recalled the moment of record-breaking innings that was achieved a decade ago and said that was mentioned by their bowling coach Lewis, “He did mention it. He said he liked bowling over here (in South Africa) apart from that one game. It was like bowling in Australia, on the bouncy wickets at the Gabba and the WACA.” The only player who was a witness to that game was South Africa skipper AB de Villiers. However, his chances are bleak at the moment for this series. ALSO READ: Chris Morris ruled out of ODI series vs Australia
Boland was asked if de Villiers absence would cause any problems and will he miss him out, “Obviously when you don’t have to bowl to one of the best batters in the world it’s a good thing. But I’m sure the crowds here would love to see him playing. I’ve never played against him, so it (his possible absence) is probably a good thing.” Boland is happy that he learned a lot on his debut against India during last summer, he still waiting to classify as one of the ‘old hands’ of Australia’s revamped ODI attack. As for this tour, there are three uncapped seamers like Tremain, Daniel Worrall and Joe Mennie. ALSO READ: SA vs AUS: Mitchell Marsh to spearhead visitors bowling unit
But even though they represent one of the most inexperienced pace bowling groups Australia has taken into an overseas tour in recent decades, Boland does not foresee any issues in having them gel as a unit. As for this tour, David Saker and Ryan Harris have also joined as consultant coach and fast bowling coach. Speaking on Saker, Boland said, “Sakes (Saker) was saying before we need to get a few more Vics in. It’s good to have Trem (Tremain) on board so hopefully he can play a few games and do really well, and we’ve got Wadey as well. So there’s a lot of familiar faces. I think Hasto (Hastings) has done so well in the last 12 months for Australia that he’s really excited to be leading our attack.” ALSO READ: de Villiers doubtful for SA’s upcoming tour of AUS
He further added, “He always comes up with some new plans as soon as we’re out there and communicates to everyone really well, so I’m sure that will continue. I’ve played a bit with Dan Worrall in the past, he was from Victoria, and I played a four-day game with Joe Mennie. So I think as long as we’re communicating openly when we’re out on the field I’m sure we’ll gel really well.”
