Scott Boland Vs Josh Hazlewood In England: Who Has The Edge Ahead Of The WTC 2025 Final?

As the ICC World Test Championship Final looms on June 11–15 at Lord’s, Australia confronts a pivotal selection decision: who will join Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc in forging their pace assault against a formidable South African side? With conditions at Lord’s traditionally favoring movement for fast bowlers, that third fast-bowler spot—claimed by either Josh Hazlewood or Scott Boland—has sparked a fascinating selection debate.

Pat Cummins & Mitchell Starc – The Core

Before unpacking the Hazlewood/Boland conundrum, let’s recognize that Cummins and Starc are virtually certain starters. Cummins leads with precision, poise, and leadership—his average in England is 27.17 across 11 Tests (51 wickets). Starc complements with left-arm variety and match-winning strike power. Those two form the backbone of Australia’s attack.

So, the burning question: with England expected to aid seamers at Lord’s, does Australia stick with experience (Hazlewood), or ride the current form wave (Boland)?

Josh Hazlewood – The Experienced Campaigner

Key Strengths:

Veteran of 72 Test matches with 279 wickets at a career average of 24.57 and strike rate of 53.
Superb track record in England: 52 wickets from 12 Tests at 26.07.
Lord’s record: 13 wickets in 3 Tests at 26.15.
Prior Ashes heroics in England, and experience with the Dukes ball.
Economy rate of 2.77 continues to highlight his control in Tests.

Recent Context:

Last season, Hazlewood recovered from injury and led the attack confidently in England—his 52 wickets reaffirmed his fitness and form.
His metronomic, disciplined style thrives under duress and is ideal for a high-pressure final.

Why selectors might trust him:

Tactical awareness, experience with motion-friendly conditions, and a calm, pressure-tested temperament.
A risk-free choice with proven performance on Lord’s pitch.

Scott Boland – The In-form Strike Bowler

Key Strengths:

A late bloomer with explosive impact: 56 wickets from 13 Tests at an astonishing average of 17.66, strike rate 38.
Holds the best career strike-rate among active Australian Test bowlers (38.23).
A match-winner: In the 2023 WTC Final at The Oval, he claimed 5 wickets including big scalps like Kohli and Gill .
Carries an aura of initiative and power, especially in crunch moments.

Challenges in English conditions:

Modest return in England: just 7 wickets at an average of 48.00 and strike rate 71.1 in 3 Tests.
Never played at Lord’s; his form hasn’t translated fully on Dukes ball.

Why selectors might back him:

Formidable recent performance curve and big-match temperament.
A bowling strike rate of 38 shows he can break partnerships.
If Australian conditions in the final suit bounce that rewards his rhythm, he could be the dynamo they need.

Head-to-Head Comparison

Metric	Josh Hazlewood	Scott Boland
Tests Played	72	13
Wickets Taken	279	56
Career Avg	24.57	17.66
Strike Rate	53	38
Economy	2.77	2.77
Tests in England	12 (52 wickets @26.07)	3 (7 wickets @48.00)
Tests at Lord’s	3 (13 wickets @26.15)	0
5-wicket Hauls	12	1 (6/7 debut)
WTC Final Experience	Not played	Starred at The Oval

This table crystallizes the divide: Hazlewood brings methodical steadiness, local track knowledge, and experience. Boland brings recent thunder, fierce rhythm, and an ability to change games—but remains largely untested in England.

Off the Field Intelligence

Beyond stats lies the intangible: Hazlewood is a test veteran who thrives under pressure, while Boland is the raw, emergent talent with firepower and unpredictability. Hazlewood knows how to throttle innings; Boland wants to explode them.

In interviews, Hazlewood confirmed his readiness to ramp up pace ahead of Lord’s hinting his body is back to full throttle. Meanwhile, Australian captain Cummins has praised Boland’s strike-rate and relish for big moments (as seen at the 2023 WTC Final).

Tactical & Pitch Considerations

Lord’s conditions: Duke deliveries, overcast skies, green seams—ideal for disciplined, seam-worthy bowling. The average first-innings total there is ~310 , suggesting pace and control are vital.
Bowling blend: Cummins and Starc provide aggression and left-arm variety. Hazlewood complements with tight seam, while Boland introduces punch.
Match script flexibility: Hazlewood can unlock stubborn batsmen; Boland can snap a tail or leverage a pitch with bounce.

What Will Australia Choose?

Option 1: Hazlewood, the Proven Guardian

✔ Trusted on Dukes, calm under pressure.
✔ Stability and accuracy; Lord’s resume speaks volumes.
✔ Solidifies the attack for a weather-affected final.

Option 2: Boland, the In-Form X-Factor

✔ Electrifying recent numbers and match impact.
✔ Potentially closes the innings with pace and aggression.
✖ Unproven outside Australia; Lord’s bounce tougher.

Option 3: Selective Rotation

In a perfect world, Australia might drop a top spinner and play both Boland and Hazlewood, but Lord’s only allows four specialist seamers comfortably. One may be left on the bench.

Voices from the Camp

Hazlewood (reported by TOI): “I feel really great… wanting to get some overs in and get back to full pace at Lord’s.”
Selectors (via Cricket Times): “Hazlewood has played three Lord’s Tests… his record there is excellent.”
Analysts: “Boland’s strike-rate of 38 makes him a wicket-taking machine… but English bounce remains a question mark.”

The Verdict: Experience vs Form

Australia’s selection dilemma boils down to this strategic question:

Safety first with Hazlewood—guaranteed movement, control, and a calm temperament in a big final.
Explosive risk with Boland—formidable current ability, potential match-turner, but with English doubt.

It’s a classic crossroads: consistent experience or dynamic flair?

Final Word

In big finals, teams often trust the soldier who’s marched before. Hazlewood’s calm precision, Lord’s pedigree, and injury fitness make him the logical pick. But Boland’s red-hot form and strike precision also make a compelling case, especially if Aussie management opts for aggression.

Australia’s decision—made this week—will reveal their grand strategy. Are they playing for control or for excitement? It’ll be one of the most intriguing selections in recent WTC history.

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