George Bailey has spoken regarding the performance of Australia's bowlers as the side looks to build on their 3-0 Ashes victory.
The Chair of Selectors for the Australian cricket team acknowledges that Australia is spoilt for choice in the bowling department, and is glad to have a selection 'headache' ahead of the fourth Test in Sydney.
Speaking with media on Thursday, Bailey cited the importance of a supportive team environment in helping new bowlers perform at their best.
"I think it's a credit to the core group and the senior players of the Test team that allows for an environment that players can come in ... to feel settled so quickly," Bailey said.
"I'm really pleased for the individuals.
"One of the great parts of the job is being able to tell someone that they're playing their first Test.
"And then to see them perform so well - in the roles that they've been given - has been wonderful."
This is how you take 6-7 in four overs.
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 28, 2021
And on debut, no less! #Ashes
Boland highlights: https://t.co/8Q8oME3sAw pic.twitter.com/LTK6MM55qB
Debutant Scott Boland made headlines at the Boxing Day Test when he picked up an impressive six wickets in England's second innings.
Bailey explained that Boland has been on the radar of selectors for a decent period of time, and it was ultimately a case of finding an opening in the squad for him.
"I think there's a few moving parts ... for Scott [Boland] to get that opportunity," Bailey said.
"One thing that the last couple of years has taught us is that you've always got to have a few contingencies up your sleeve.
"So that was that he has been on our radar for.
"We've spoken a lot about our desire to try and build some depth and build some robustness within our team.
"I guess that it all just fell into place."
Boland's electric debut performance will undoubtedly give the Australian selectors some questions ahead of the Sydney Test, but that is a nice problem to have, according to Bailey.
"We don't mind a headache at this time ... so that all works out pretty well," Bailey explained.
"I would much rather have that headache, rather than some other tough decisions to make.
"I'm looking forward to working through that one.
"Obviously some hard conversations will have to be had at some stage but we would love nothing more than a full squad to be able to pick from."
Scott Boland's nonchalant caught-and-bowled dismissal showed a superb set of hands! Check out our collection of the best catches from the third Test
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 29, 2021
Dettol Clean Hands | #Ashes pic.twitter.com/77wgxnZWr4
Bailey was not able to give any indication as to who the selectors might pick, as well as dismissing any suggestions that bowlers like Mitchell Starc should be rested.
"No one's ever resting peacefully - as a fast bowler there's no such thing as a rest," Bailey said.
"Because even if they're not playing, they're working their backsides off to get their physical conditioning right.
"So we need to stop using that word.
"The fact that we have Pat [Cummins], Josh [Hazlewood], and Mitch [Starc] as three world-class fast bowlers across all three formats is a great problem to have."
The fourth Ashes Test between England and Australia will take place at the Sydney Cricket Ground from Wednesday January 5.
