Australia started their three-Test series against South Africa with a <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/sports/cricket/article/sa-vs-aus-1st-test-josh-hazlewood-takes-six-as-australia-hand-south-africa-defeat-at-kingsmead-23654902" rel="nofollow">dominant 214-run victory</a> in Durban, strengthening their top position in the ICC World Test Championship standings.
Although the surface provided spin assistance, Australia's fast bowlers dictated the match. Senior fast bowler Josh Hazlewood delivered a decisive performance, capturing figures of 6/49 to dismiss South Africa for 206 in their final innings.
Despite South Africa's traditional preference for seam and extra bounce, the Durban pitch offered enough turn for Australia to field specialist spinner Nathan Lyon alongside fast bowlers <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/sports/cricket/article/they-re-a-really-strong-side-australia-skipper-pat-cummins-ahead-of-three-match-test-series-against-south-africa-23646353" rel="nofollow">Pat Cummins</a>, Mitchell Starc, and Hazlewood, leaving Scott Boland on the bench.
Hazlewood emphasised that the Victorian fast bowler will likely contribute during the upcoming matches.
"He [Scott Boland] barely bowls poorly. Every net the boys come in, it's like, geez, Scotty again."Hazlewood said.
With the tour moving to Gqeberha and Cape Town, venues known for assisting pace, Australia may adjust their lineup to incorporate Boland into the side.
"I think he'll play a part in this series [and] I think he'll play a part in the next 12, 18 months. [He's a] class act, his record ridiculous,&rdquo; Hazlewood added.
<h2>Australia set for a busy calendar year</h2>
Including Boland in the bowling attack would reduce workload pressure on Australia's main seamers during a demanding fixture schedule, which includes four Tests against New Zealand, five Tests in India, and an Ashes series in 2027.
"It probably makes it a bit easier on us if we are struggling from time to time to then think Scotty's there, ready to go. It can make those conversations a bit easier, and it's more of a unit. Moving forward we can't miss those big chunks, but we might miss a week or two here and there, and things settle quicker, and we've just got a nice unit here at the moment,&rdquo; he explained.
Hazlewood also addressed how Australia extracted reverse swing from South African surfaces.
"You probably want the ball a bit harder and a little bit of reverse swing rather than a lot of reverse swing with the ball soft. It's much easier to navigate as a batsman. You still want that carry with a harder ball. Just a hint of reverse swing, I think, is the key," <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/sports/cricket/article/ipl-2026-hazlewood-hails-skip-patidars-royal-rise-23626328" rel="nofollow">Josh Hazlewood </a>concluded.
(With inputs from ANI)

Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood highlights Scott Boland`s impact and quality, tipping the seam bowler to play a key role in South Test tour


'He's a class act..' Josh Hazlewood backs Scott Boland for a crucial role in the South Africa series

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Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood highlights Scott Boland's impact and quality, tipping the seam bowler to play a key role in South Test tour


Josh Hazlewood backs Scott Boland for crucial role in South Africa test series

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