Even after Mitchell Starc tore through England with seven wickets in Perth’s first innings, it did not go unnoticed that in an attack missing Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, England had scored at over six runs per over off Scott Boland.

Following pre-series discussions about England targeting Boland, having dominated him in the two matches he played during the 2023 Ashes, the second day in Perth told a very different story. Boland’s three-wicket burst after lunch, which removed Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, and Harry Brook in just 11 balls, dramatically shifted the momentum when England had been 105 runs ahead with nine wickets in hand.

“It probably just proves to me that my good stuff doesn’t matter who it’s to,” Boland said ahead of the second Test at the Gabba. “When I’m getting in the right areas, it’s good enough for anyone. I think that gives me confidence that if I nail my game, I can compete with anyone.”

Reflecting on his performance, Boland added, “I was pretty happy with how I bounced back in the second innings. I went back to my natural length, to the stuff I know I’m really good at. I was obviously disappointed with how I bowled in the first innings because I generally don’t bowl too many half-volleys.”

Looking ahead to the Gabba, Boland expects similar tactics will apply on a pitch likely to offer pace and carry, though perhaps not to the extent of Perth Stadium. “I think we’ll get some good bounce here at the Gabba, which we usually do,” he said. “We went through what worked in Perth and what’s going to work here. A lot of the stuff feels very similar.”

Meanwhile, Ollie Pope, who fell after being tied down and edging to Alex Carey, reflected on the lessons from the innings. “It’s about learning the lessons and taking positives,” he said. “It’s about being precise with how you go about it. They can hang it wide, but as soon as they miss their lengths, it’s about putting them under pressure. I look back on that second innings and think it’s just being a bit more precise and going about it the same way but with a little more accuracy in my game.”

There has been speculation about Pat Cummins making a late appearance for the Brisbane Test as he ramps up his return to bowling, despite not being named in the squad. Boland said, “He looked in red-hot form the other night, as good as you’ll see from a fast bowler charging in in the nets.”

Josh Hazlewood is set to join the squad on Thursday as he continues his recovery from a hamstring injury. He is unlikely to be in contention until either the Melbourne or Sydney Tests