Scott Boland selected for World Test Championship final over Michael Neser

Australia has made a big call on its team for the World Test Championship, making a massive decision between two of the nation’s cult heroes.

Scott Boland has won the final spot in Australia’s fast bowling line up for the World Test Championship, beating out Michael Neser for the final spot.

It comes after Josh Hazlewood was ruled out of the match last week and the Queensland quick was parachuted into the squad.

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It’s also despite Neser taking a County Cricket hat-trick last month and general impressing in the English conditions.

Neser achieved the rare feat, just the 11th hat-trick in Glamorgan’s history, after he was left out of Australia’s squad for the World Test Championship and the first two Ashes Tests.

But after Hazlewood, who was expected to return in the Test cricket championship game, was ruled out with a troublesome Achilles injury which ended his Indian Premier League season, Neser was rushed into the squad.

Scott Boland has the thumbs up. Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images

However, he will be cover for any late injuries or as a concussion replacement during the match as Boland looks to continue the incredible start to his Test career.

The 34-year-old Victorian still averages just 13.4 in his seven Test matches, having taken 28 wickets, despite going wicketless in his last Test in India.

Aussie skipper Pat Cummins confirmed he would lead the team in a bowling quartet of Boland, Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon, as well as all-rounder Cameron Green.

He said Boland was “very close” to being considered an equal of the Cummins, Starc and Hazlewood trio.

“We’re big on kind of everyone bowling slightly differently,” Cummins told reporters.

“Scott is a seam bowler on a good length, but he just offers something slightly different to Joshy Hazlewood, and Starcy being a left hander is bit different.

“So I don’t think there’s ever a pecking order. You think about the three guys that you want to go out and play.”

And Cummins was confident that Boland would be just as effective in England.

“In the past here in England, because the ball does talk a little more, I’ve seen players get too caught up in trying to take wickets every ball because you’ve suddenly got the ball swinging and seaming,” Cummins added.

“Someone like Scotty, it’s just a really simple game-plan – you hit your good areas and you stay there all day and hopefully the ball will do the work for you.

“He’s had a few bowls over here now and has looked good. But he looks good whenever he bowls.”

Michael Neser has been in great form in the UK. Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images

Hazlewood has been struggling with injury. Photo by INDRANIL MUKHERJEE / AFP

But while Neser and Sean Abbott will sit on the sidelines, Cummins said the Aussies’ busy schedule including the Ashes, which will see six Tests in seven and a half weeks, will mean that the Aussies’ pace bowling depth will be tested.

“That’s the luxury of having bench strength,” he said. “’Hoff’ (Hazlewood) was really close to being available for this one so he’ll be available for the first (Ashes) Test.

“’Ness’ (Neser), you see how well he’s been doing in county cricket, Sean Abbott’s here, so I’m sure we’ll be calling on a lot of resources.

“You don’t want to finish off a Test match with something (left) in the tank knowing that you’ve got other guys fresh that you could bring in a few days later.”

Likely Australian XI: David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland, Nathan Lyon.