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World Test Championship Final: Former Australian wicketkeeper Ian Healy believes Scott Boland has leapfrogged Josh Hazlewood in the Test fast-bowling pecking order, ranking just behind Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc. While Hazlewood has long been considered part of Australia’s elite pace trio, Boland’s outstanding performances against India in the recent Border-Gavaskar Trophy have, in Healy’s eyes, earned him the No. 3 seamer spot in the Test team.

Boland, who replaced an injured Hazlewood for three of the five Tests against India, was outstanding, taking 21 wickets at an average of 13.19. Hazlewood, when fit, also impressed with six wickets at 13.16 in his one-and-a-half games, but his recurring injuries have raised concerns about his long-term reliability in the longest format.

Speaking on SENQ Breakfast, Healy acknowledged Hazlewood’s quality but pointed out that his frequent absences have made Boland a more dependable option.