• Home
  • Who Said What
  • Hazlewood Ahead Of Boland Ravi Shastri Bats For Rcb Mainstays Inclusion In Wtc Final

"Hazlewood Ahead Of Boland" Ravi Shastri Bats For RCB Mainstay's Inclusion In WTC Final

Akshita Patel

Ravi Shastri backs Josh Hazlewood to play WTC Final [Source: @FoxCricket/X.com]Ravi Shastri backs Josh Hazlewood to play WTC Final [Source: @FoxCricket/X.com]

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri believes that Josh Hazlewood should be picked over Scott Boland for the upcoming World Test Championship final at Lord’s in June 2025. Australia is set to face South Africa, and Shastri feels Hazlewood’s bowling style will suit the conditions at Lord’s better.

Hazlewood, who had missed some games in the early part of this year because of a calf injury, has performed well after his return in the IPL 2025. Representing Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), he has picked up 16 wickets from only 9 matches.

With the WTC final around the corner, Ravi Shastri has offered advice to the Australian team regarding the formation of their pace lineup.

Ravi Shastri Wants To See Josh Hazlewood In WTC Final

Former Indian cricketer and head coach Ravi Shastri has urged Australia to play Josh Hazlewood ahead of Scott Boland in the WTC 2025 final against South Africa.

He also compared Hazlewood to legendary Australian pacer Glenn McGrath, saying both bowlers have a similar bowling style.

"It will be a very tough choice, but if Hazelwood is fit, then he gets the nod ahead of Boland. If Hazlewood is fit to do that, he will definitely get the nod for two reasons. One, the English conditions, two, Lord's with the slop. And the reason I say Lord's slope is Hazlewood is most likened to Glenn McGrath. And you've got to just check Glenn McGrath's record at Lord's, with the slope around and bowling from the Commentary Box end," Shastri said.

Shastri pointed out that McGrath had an amazing record at Lord’s, including a famous 8-wicket-haul in 1997. Moreover, he feels Hazlewood, with his height and accuracy, can trouble batters in similar ways, especially in English conditions where the pitches are not too fast. 

Though he admires Scott Boland’s consistency and control, Shastri thinks Hazlewood’s experience and skill will give Australia an edge in the final. Alongside Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Nathan Lyon, Hazlewood could form a deadly bowling unit.

"The pitches aren't as quick as in Australia. So you need that extra bit of height and bounce, which he will get as opposed to Scott Boland, though I'm a big fan of Scott Boland," he added.

Cameron Green Eyes WTC Comeback

Australia has received a big boost ahead of the WTC Final as Cameron Green has returned to fitness and is gearing up for a comeback. The talented all-rounder, who had been out of action since September due to a stress fracture in his back, is now fit and focused on regaining his spot in the national Test team. 

He recently played county cricket and while he won’t be bowling just yet, he’ll play purely as a batter as he eases back into competitive cricket. Interestingly, Green's main target now is the WTC Final in June at Lord’s.