As Australiaare all set to host England for the Ashes 2025 to be played from November 21, the war of words has started among former players from both teams. Last week, Aussie legend Glenn McGrath’s prediction
regarding England’s whitewash in the upcoming series to be played Down Under, got a hilarious reaction from former England speedster Stuart Broad. Noting England players aggressive attitude towards Team India in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025, it can be predicted that English players will strive to incite the hosts’ players in the upcoming Ashes 2025-26.
With the marquee red-ball tournament 100 days away, Australia pacer Scott Boland spoke to reporters in Melbourne and dismissed any disquiet over England’s fierce on-field behaviour. “I think nothing much changed from how we play our cricket. Even going forward, it’s just going to be whoever takes and whoever wins those big moments in the games. And I know we have got match winners with the bat or the ball. So … if they want to sledge, that’s fine. I don’t think it’s going to worry our guys too much,” remarked Boland.
Scott Boland’s Test numbers against England
Scott Boland has played five Tests against England, in which he has bagged 20 wickets in 10 innings. In 2021, when Australia thrashed the English side by an innings and 14 runs in Melbourne, he played the role of wrecker-in-chief in the second innings. The speedster grabbed 6/7 figures and played the instrumental part in folding the visiting team on 68.
The 36-year-old has done a stunning job as a pacer for the Aussie side recently as well but the question arises would he get a chance in the playing XI. With the presence of the formidable trio of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood, his entry in Australia’s 11-member squad becomes difficult.
