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The two changes Aussies should make for Adelaide Test
SEN • December 15th, 2025 12:38 pm
Should Australia rest Scott Boland for the third Ashes Test in Adelaide?
SEN Cricket’s Adam Collins thinks it’s a scenario worth real consideration, given how the series has shaped up so far.
Boland has bowled well in the series to date - taking seven wickets from two games - with six of those dismissals coming from the top seven batters, but Collins is looking at what’s ahead over the next four weeks.
Given how well Boland has performed at the MCG in recent years, Collins firmly believes the Aussies should rest the Victorian for the final two Tests, ensuring that he’s fit and ready to go when he’s needed most this series.
“I'm drawn to that scenario, remembering it's five Test matches in six and a half weeks after all,” Collins said on SEN Breakfast.
“No one really expected any of the quicks to get through all of them without missing any games. Maybe they hoped, but they usually go into situations like this with a squad mentality.
“There's no way in the world they're resting Starc, because he's got the hottest hand in the world right now.
“So, I can see a world where Boland, as good as he's been, is rested. It's not about his spot in the pecking order; it's more about reinforcing how much they love the idea of Boland at the MCG on Boxing Day where he's been such an extraordinary asset for Australia. So, I would do that.”
If Boland is rested, Collins sees Michael Neser keeping his place in the team so that Australia can keep some pace variation in the attack.
With Pat Cummins also returning from injury and Nathan Lyon set to join the XI in Adelaide, he foresees the two changes being Boland (rested) and Brendan Doggett (omitted).
“I would retain Neser as well, not because I see any issue with what Doggett's done so far, but I feel like with England batters, (Harry) Brook, (Zak) Crawley and (Jamie) Smith, they love to walk at bowlers,” Collins explained.
“If you've got Neser bowling on a hot day with Carey up to the stumps, it completely negates that form of attack, and it was super effective at Brisbane when he picked up five wickets and seven for the match.
“I can see real merit in Neser, partly on the basis that this might be the flattest track of the series … plus we could see 40-degree weather. So, having the ability for Carey to keep so brilliantly up to the sticks, that’d be attractive.
“Of course, Cummins returns, so they need space for him. It'd be Doggett who would make way there, and they'd have the ability to play Starc, Cummins, Neser and Lyon as the quartet this week."
The third Test between Australia and England in Adelaide begins on December 17. Listen to every ball LIVE on SEN – your home of cricket.
