Watch: Scott Boland shows ground reality to Australian selectors with perfect setup to dismiss Sam Konstas in just 4 balls ahead of Ashes squad announcement

The Australian selectors face a dilemma as they don’t have a settled top order heading into the Ashes against the Ben Stokes-led England. A century against India A would have helped Sam Konstas cause but a setup of just four balls from Scott Boland in Sheffield Shield clash may have put more doubt in selectors’ heads. Boland, who is expected to feature in the playing XI in the absence of an unfit Pat Cummins, did not need enough time to get rid of a young Konstas. 

On Day 1 of the Sheffield Shield 2025-26 clash at Melbourne Cricket Ground, Victoria were bowled out for 240 in 68.5 overs by New South Wales.  In the third session, Boland opened the bowling. He bowled three back of the length deliveries on the trot away from the stumps. Then, he bowled a fuller delivery angled at the stumps. The opener was struck on the pad and was in no position to tackle it. He departed without troubling the scorers.

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Doubt over Konstas’ selection continues

20-year-old Konstas has been under fire for his below par performances. He replaced Nathan McSweeney midway through the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. After a fifty on debut at the MCG, his numbers have gone down. From 10 Test innings, he has 163 runs at an average of 16.30. He was unimpressive on the Caribbean tour. 

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In his previous Sheffield Shield appearance, Konstas registered scores of 4 and 14 against Western Australia. His only notable knock in recent times came against Shreyas Iyer-led India A. He scored 109 runs from 144 balls, featuring 10 fours and three sixes. The India A pace attack featured Prasidh Krishna and Khaleel Ahmed.

Boland’s lucky break in Ashes?

On the other hand, Boland may get his golden chance if Cummins doesn’t play due to his back issues. In his previous Test appearance on Caribbean soil, he claimed six wickets for just 36 runs. At home, he is exceptional. From nine Tests in Australian conditions, he has 49 wickets at an average of 12.63, including two five-wicket hauls. He is likely to be a part of three-pronged pace attack featuring Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood.