The Ashes: Scott Boland is unfazed by England's aggression ahead of the series

Scott Boland (Pic: X/@ICC)

Australia's pacer Scott Boland said that the hosts will not be affected by any England aggression when both the teams clash later this year for The Ashes.

Recently, England ended their five-match Test series against Team India on a 2-2 draw.

The pacer expressed confidence in his side's attitude against England's approach ahead of The Ashes. "They can do whatever they want when they're playing," he said.

Over the years, the Australian team has been known to fight back against their opponents when it comes to sledging and aggression. Although they have tempered that aggression somewhat under captain Pat Cummins, and attempted to tread a fine line.

Boland also said that the Australian team has been delivering consistent performances over the past few years and expressed confidence in having the likes of match-winning players in the side.

"I think we've been pretty consistent in the way we've played since I've been in and around the squad the last four years. Nothing much has changed in how we play our cricket. Even going forward, it's just going to be whoever wins those big moments in the games. We've got match-winners with the bat and with the ball," said Boland.

The pacer concluded that England's sledging won't be any concern for the 'Baggy Greens'.

"So yeah, if they want to sledge, that's fine. I don't think it's going to worry our guys too much," he signed off.

So far, Boland has played 14 Test matches for Australia, in which he has claimed 62 wickets. With the willow, he has garnered 83 runs with a top score of 20 runs.

His best bowling figures in the format are six wickets for seven runs.

Controversy swirled over the previous Ashes series in England in 2023 after Jonny Bairstow was stumped by Australian wicketkeeper Alex Carey in the second Test at Lord's when the Englishman walked out of his crease, believing the ball was dead.

The coming Ashes Tests are set to play out in front of big crowds in Australia, with Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg saying that interest in the series between the old rivals had been "off the charts". "This will be the biggest sports event in Australia this year," said Greenberg.

(With AFP Inputs)