James Pattinson: Scott Boland worthy of Boxing Day Test opportunity

Victoria bowler Scott Boland has wasted no time in making an impression on Australian team-mates and selectors, according to James Pattinson.

Victoria bowler Scott Boland has wasted no time in making an impression on Australian team-mates and selectors, according to James Pattinson.

Boland put in a big session in the MCG nets as he prepares for a potential international Test debut when the Boxing Day Test against West Indies starts in Melbourne on Saturday.

"He's quite an awkward bowler actually," Pattinson told reporters.

"He stands the seam up quite tall and gets the ball to move both ways. He actually gets a lot of bounce too.

"He’s quite a skiddy bowler so he’s on to you pretty quick too. His bowling has improved out of sight over the last few years."

Despite his improvement, Boland is no shoe-in for selection, with Pattinson, Peter Siddle and Josh Hazlewood competing with Boland for three available spots.

Boland has taken 13 wickets in four Sheffield Shield games this season.

But Pattinson believes, if selected, Boland would be worth his spot.

“He deserves his chance and I’m sure he will do a great job," Pattinson said.

"As a fast bowler you want to make a good impression and he definitely did that by all reports. He bowled really well and that’s all he can do coming into the team.

"As a fast bowler your first time in the squad is a bit nervous but you want to get out there and show everyone what you can do. He definitely did that."

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