Aussies go for four in a row

Sydney, January 4

Scott Boland has retained his spot in Australia’s bowling attack for the fourth Ashes Test after his starring role on debut in the series-deciding victory over England last week.

Boland took six wickets for seven runs as England collapsed in the second innings to be all out for 68 in Melbourne, allowing Australia to retain the Ashes with two matches to spare. Any debate about Boland’s spot in the starting XI ended when veteran pace bowler Josh Hazlewood was ruled out for a third consecutive match because of a side strain.

Australia made one injury enforced change for the fourth Test, which starts here tomorrow, with Usman Khawaja replacing middle-order batter Travis Head. Khawaja’s return for the first time since 2019 comes after Head was ruled out following a positive Covid-19 test. — AP/PTI