Scott Boland becomes only the second Indigenous men’s cap for the hosts, while Jonny Bairstow and Zak Crawley are among four changes for the tourists
Australia and England have rung the changes for the Boxing Day Test, with Scott Boland set to become just the second Indigenous men’s cricketer to wear the Baggy Green cap and Jonny Bairstow one of four changes for the tourists.
As expected, Pat Cummins returns as Australia captain after his close contact with a positive Covid case saw him miss the 275-run victory in Adelaide. But the hosts, sitting 2-0 up and looking to wrap up a series win at the earliest opportunity, have added further fresh legs to their seam attack in the shape of Victoria’s Boland.
The 32-year-old, who discovered a family link to the Gulidjan tribe in his 20s through his maternal grandfather, follows in the footsteps of fellow seamer Jason Gillespie, the first Indigenous men’s Test cricketer, and Faith Thomas and Ash Gardner, who have both represented the women’s Test team.
Speaking about the decision, Cummins said: “It is huge for him to become the second Indigenous [men’s] Test cricketer. Dizzy [Gillespie] was the first. In Australia we have a rich history going back 50-60,000 years and it is great that it is starting to be reflected in our team.”
Boland, a right-arm fast-medium bowler who has previously won 19 caps for Australia in limited overs cricket, also brings specialist local knowledge at the MCG and claimed eight wickets when Victoria beat New South Wales during the ground’s most recent first-class match back in November.