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'He's a world-class player but someone...': Scott Boland's stern warning for KL Rahul who left for Australia early to play for India 'A' before Border-Gavaskar Trophy

Scott Boland did not feature in the first game between Australia 'A' and India 'A' but is excited to bowl to an under-pressure KL Rahul.

Sports Tak

• Tue • 05 Nov 2024

Scott Boland appeals for a wicket; KL Rahul walks back to the pavillion after losing his wicket.

Highlights:

KL Rahul averages a little over 20 in Australia.

Scott Boland missed a few months of action due to a heel injury.

After not getting a spot in the playing XI for last two Tests of the series against New Zealand, KL Rahul along with Dhruv Jurel left the squad early to feature in the four-day game for India 'A' against Australia 'A'. It was earlier reported that Rohit Sharma may not feature in the Perth Test due to personal reasons. In this case, Rahul may get a chance to feature in the side. As Rahul gears up for the 'A' series, Scott Boland who rattled India in the World Test Championship (WTC) 2021-23 final is looking forward to the opportunity of putting pressure on Rahul.

"I was lucky to bowl to him in a Test over in India a couple of years ago but it'll be nice to play against him in our backyard," he said. "He's a world-class player but someone I think we can get on top of pretty early and hopefully stay on top of him for the majority of the summer."

Rahul who registered a duck and 12 runs in his last outing against New Zealand in Bengaluru hasn't had a good run on Australian pitches. The 32-year-old averages 20.77 in Australia from five Tests with 187 runs including a century.

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Boland expects changes in Indian side

Meanwhile, Boland is aware of India getting cleanswept by New Zealand at home. However, he feels that they will structure the team difficult considering the conditions.

"There's so much more bounce here, more seam. The way they'll structure their team will be completely different to what you see over in India," said the 35-year-old.

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Boland did not feature in the first game between India 'A' and Australia 'A'. In his absence, Australia 'A' won the match by seven wickets against Ruturaj Gaikwad-led side.

Boland raring to go against Indian batters

Boland's first appearance after injury was in Sheffied Shield match against New South Wales. The Victorian bowler picked up three wickets. Ahead of the match against India 'A', he does not expect to be held back like he was in the game against New South Wales.

"It felt like a long six months between games," he said. "Remember being out on the ground in the Shield game and was just really happy to be back playing cricket. Haven't had too many breaks for injury throughout my career so was different going through all the rehab.

"Luckily [we've] got really good physios and support staff at Cricket Victoria. So lucky I could lean on them, because few times I was like, '[are] any of these things getting better? But it's all come good now and feeling really good."