ENG vs AUS Ashes 2023: Why is Scott Boland Not Playing England vs Australia 5th Test? Check Australia Playing XI

The visiting Australian team have once again not included right-arm fast bowler Scott Boland in their playing XI for the fifth and final Ashes 2023 Test match against England being played at the Kennington Oval in London. The fourth Test match between England and Australia ended in a draw as there was not a single ball bowled on Day 5 due to heavy rains. For the fourth time in a row, Australia have retained the Ashes ‘Urn’ and are leading the five-match Test series by 2-1 margin.

ENG vs AUS Ashes 2023: Why is Scott Boland Not Playing England vs Australia 5th Test?

During the toss, it was noted that seam bowler Scott Boland once again misses out from Australia playing XI for the ENG vs AUS Ashes 2023 5th Test match. Interestingly, the 34-year-old pace bowler went wicketless in the Headingley Test match and was subsequently, dropped from the side in the fourth Test. Boland has taken just a couple of wickets in 2 Ashes 2023 Test matches at a below-par average of over 115. Therefore, Australia have gone ahead with the experienced trio of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood as the frontline fast bowlers alongside Mitchell Marsh and off-spinner Todd Murphy.

“Had to double check that (when it came down tails, firs toss won in this series). We will have a bowl. Little bit of cloud cover and wicket looks good. It is a similar side to the one that played four years ago (2019), we know what we did that time and how we can change things. One change – Cam Green misses out and Todd Murphy comes in,” said Australia captain Pat Cummins during the toss.

Australia Playing 11

1. David Warner
2. Usman Khawaja
3. Marnus Labuschagne
4. Steve Smith
5. Travis Head
6. Mitchell Marsh
7. Alex Carey (wk)
8. Pat Cummins (C)
9. Mitchell Starc
10. Todd Murphy
11. Josh Hazlewood

Australia squad for Ashes 2023 5th Test

Pat Cummins (captain), Steve Smith (vice-captain), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Marcus Harris, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Todd Murphy, Matthew Renshaw, Mitchell Starc, David Warner.