Australia Fast Bowler Aims to Silence Joe Root in Perth

Published: 17 November 2025 Monday. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online

As the Ashes series heats up in Australia, fast bowler Scott Boland has identified England’s Joe Root as the key player Australia must keep quiet to maintain the upper hand. The opening Test in Perth is set to test both teams, but Boland, who has a stellar record against Root, believes that nullifying the England captain will give Australia a significant edge in the contest.

Boland’s remarks echo a long-standing tradition in Ashes cricket, where Australian bowlers single out one or two pivotal England batsmen for special attention. Legendary paceman Glenn McGrath famously targeted individual batsmen in every Ashes series, using meticulous planning and disciplined execution. Similarly, former Australian captain Michael Clarke instructed his bowlers to focus on Alastair Cook during the 2013-14 Ashes series, which Australia won 5-0. Boland, now part of that proud lineage of aggressive Australian fast bowlers, is prepared to follow the same approach.

“You always want to take down the best players,” Boland said. “In the past when Joe Root has been captain, you want to try to make sure they have as little impact as you can. England have quite a few good batters, and we’ll be looking to do that to each of them.”

Boland’s confidence stems from his previous successes against Root. On the last Ashes tour in England, he dismissed Root four times, leaving a lasting impression on both the England team and Australian fans. Boland added, “Hopefully we can keep Joe Root and the guys in the middle-order pretty quiet.” His determination to replicate those performances shows the competitive edge Australia is bringing into this series.

Boland, who is 36 years old, made a sensational debut in the Ashes at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, taking 6-7 in his first Test innings. That performance was part of an overall haul of 18 wickets in the series at an astonishing average of 9.55, immediately marking him as one of Australia’s premier fast bowlers. His career statistics since then further underline his capabilities, with 62 wickets in 14 Tests at a remarkable average of 16.53. Only George Lohmann and Sydney Barnes, over a century ago, have achieved better averages over a comparable number of wickets.

However, Boland’s only notable struggle came during the 2023 Ashes series in the UK, where a vastly different England team exposed some weaknesses in his bowling. He took only two wickets at an average of 115.50, prompting reflection and adjustments in his game. “I learned a lot,” Boland explained. “I’ve reflected on that tour a fair bit. There will be tweaks to my game plan for what I want to do, but I don’t think I need to change too much. I just need to execute a bit better.”

Despite the challenges, Boland remains motivated and focused, saying, “Only to myself” when asked if he has anything to prove in this series. His mental preparation reflects the professionalism and self-discipline that have defined his career, traits critical in a high-stakes series like the Ashes.

In addition to Boland, Australia’s pace attack has undergone changes due to injuries. Captain Pat Cummins and fellow seamer Josh Hazlewood are unavailable for the first Test, opening the door for Boland and Mitchell Starc. They are expected to be joined by 31-year-old Brendan Doggett, an uncapped seamer with extensive first-class experience. Boland commented on the situation, saying, “Obviously you don’t want to be missing two great players like Josh and Pat. Our bowling stocks have been really strong for quite a while – no one has been able to break in. It’s going to be an exciting time. A new guy or two will get a look in. They’re not inexperienced guys. Brendan knows his game and what he’s going to need to do to express his skills out on the big stage.”

Meanwhile, Cummins has been seen bowling at full pace in the nets, building toward a return for the second Test in Brisbane. His presence will be a significant boost for Australia, but the first Test offers a chance for players like Boland to demonstrate their abilities and make an impact.

England, meanwhile, will face challenges adapting to Australian conditions. The vast playing areas of grounds like Perth Stadium, the MCG, and the Gabba mean England’s stroke-makers will need to adjust their timing and shot selection. “Balls that would go over the fence in England have a longer way to go at grounds like here, the MCG and the Gabba in Brisbane. It’s the same for them. Their bowlers when they bowl their short balls, you have to hit it 85 metres instead of 65, so it’s a big difference,” Boland said. These conditions make every run and every delivery critical in shaping the outcome of matches.

Scott Boland’s role in this Ashes series goes beyond his personal statistics. He embodies Australia’s strategic approach: focusing on key opposition players, adapting to conditions, and maintaining mental toughness. His record against Joe Root, combined with his experience and knowledge of English batting techniques, gives him a psychological edge over the visiting team.

Beyond individual matchups, the Ashes are about legacy, national pride, and historical rivalry. Australia and England have been contesting this series since 1882, with each Test carrying the weight of history. Performances by players like Boland and Root are not only measured in wickets and runs but also in how they influence the ebb and flow of the series, morale in the dressing room, and public perception.

Root, aware of Boland’s reputation, will have his own strategies to counter the Australian attack. England will likely adjust their batting order, use protective techniques against short-pitched deliveries, and rely on their middle-order to steady the innings. Yet, Boland’s aggressive line and length, combined with his knowledge of Root’s tendencies, could prove decisive, especially if Australia can apply consistent pressure early in the innings.

The first Test in Perth will be pivotal in setting the tone for the series. With injuries to key Australian players, the responsibility on Boland’s shoulders increases, but so does the opportunity. A strong performance could establish him as a cornerstone of Australia’s attack and send a warning to England’s batsmen. Conversely, England will be motivated to counter him, adding an extra layer of intensity to the contest.

In conclusion, Scott Boland’s focus on Joe Root highlights the tactical intricacies of Test cricket, where targeting key players, adapting to conditions, and maintaining mental resilience are as crucial as technical skills. As the Ashes series unfolds, fans can expect high drama, strategic battles, and moments that will define careers. For Boland, keeping Root quiet is not just a game plan; it is a statement of intent, a challenge to one of England’s finest, and a crucial step toward reclaiming the Ashes on home soil.