Former England batsman and cricket pundit Kevin Pietersen has made a bold prediction for Australian fast bowler Scott Boland ahead of the upcoming Ashes 2025-26 starting from November 21.
As the Ashes 2025-26 series approaches, Kevin Pietersen has backed Scott Boland as the potential highest wicket-taker if he plays all five Tests against England. Boland’s rise has been remarkable and Pietersen believes the fast bowler can dominate the prestigious Test series with his consistent performances in home conditions.
Kevin Pietersen backs Scott Boland to dominate England in Ashes 2025-26
Boland is expected to be included in Australia’s playing eleven for the opening match of the five-match Test series in Perth, with regular captain and key fast bowler Pat Cummins ruled out of the first Ashes Test with a back injury. This will be a big opportunity for Boland to grab all the headlines.
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However, Cummins is now targeting a comeback in the day-night Test at the Gabba. If Australia opts for a combination of three fast bowlers after Cummins returns, Boland may miss out on selection in the playing eleven, but his form makes a strong case for his inclusion in the Ashes 2025-26 series.
The 36-year-old fast bowler has represented Australia in only 14 Test matches so far and has scalped 62 wickets at an amazing average of 16.53 and an economy rate of 2.75. Boland’s record on home soil is even more impressive, taking 49 wickets in nine matches at an astonishing economy of 2.41.
He will become the highest wicket-taker: Kevin Pietersen’s bold prediction
In recent red-ball games, Scott Boland has taken 20 wickets in five matches at an economy of 3.14. These figures highlight his ability to wreak havoc on England’s batting lineup in the upcoming Ashes 2025-26, and that is why Pietersen backed the fast bowler to play all five Tests for the Kangaroos.
Kevin Pietersen posted on Twitter on Saturday (November 8): “If Scott Boland plays all 5 Test matches in the Ashes, he will be the leading wicket-taker.”
If Scott Boland plays all 5 Test matches in the Ashes, he will be the highest wicket-taker.
– Kevin Pietersen (@KP24) 8 November 2025
Well, Australia is set to field a strong pace attack with the likes of Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Scott Boland, who have been in great form in the Sheffield Shield, in the first Ashes Test against England in Perth. Fast bowlers Sean Abbott and Brendan Doggett may have to wait for their chance.
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Josh Hazlewood backs Australia’s experienced bowling attack ahead of Ashes 2025-26
Meanwhile, Australia’s bowling lineup may look dated on paper, but Josh Hazlewood dismissed concerns and insisted the maturity and collective wisdom of the attack makes it a strong unit ahead of the first Test in Perth.
With 14 of the 15 players over the age of 30, Hazlewood highlighted the benefit of playing together across multiple formats, understanding each other’s strengths and providing support as a unit. He believes this experience will help him deal with pressure situations, execute plans effectively and maintain consistency in the upcoming Ashes series against England.
AAP quoted Josh Hazlewood as saying, “There will no doubt come a time (when the team gets too old), but I don’t think it has come yet. We’ve been together for a long time and taken a lot of wickets, but it’s been a great time off the field too. We know each other very well, so we can pull each other up from time to time when the rhythm isn’t quite right.”
