Scott Boland continues to put his best foot forward as he seeks a recall for the World Test Championship final in June, however Sam Konstas failed again on Thursday in the Sheffield Shield. Konstas made just 6 in NSW’s first innings against WA, but fellow Test opener Usman Khawaja made a classy century in Queensland’s clash with Tasmania.

In Victoria’s match against South Australia, Boland snared two wickets late on the opening day to leave SA at 2-40 at stumps. Boland bowled Conor McInerney for a duck before snaring Henry Hunt caught behind for 1.

It comes after Boland claimed a 10-wicket match in Victoria’s last game against NSW, continuing his incredible form. Selectors will have to decide whether Boland or Josh Hazlewood plays the WTC final against South Africa at Lord’s, although there’s an outside chance both will play in a four-pronged pace attack.

Hazlewood still isn’t bowling after suffering an injury setback in December during the Test summer against India. Boland was left out of the two Tests against Sri Lanka last month, but is making an irresistible claim for a recall in the more pace-friendly conditions at Lord’s.

Opinion has been heavily divided as to who selectors should pick out of Boland and Hazlewood. But there’s no doubt the Victorian is doing everything in his power to get his Test spot back.

Usman Khawaja makes brilliant century

In Queensland’s clash with Tasmania, Khawaja made a brilliant 127 to show his Test career is anything but over. Michael Clarke sensationally called for him to retire from Test cricket at the SCG in January, but the 38-year-old will be a key cog as the Aussies face South Africa, West Indies (away) and England this year (in a blockbuster home Ashes series).

Khawaja’s experience will be invaluable for Konstas, with the teenager in danger of throwing away his golden start to Test cricket. The 19-year-old is expected to come back in for the WTC final after being left out in Sri Lanka, but the runs have dried up since he made 60 on debut against India on Boxing Day.

Steve Waugh’s truth bomb for Sam Konstas

On Thursday he was dismissed for just 6 against WA, caught by Jayden Goodwin off the bowling of Joel Paris. The 19-year-old hasn’t made a score of note over the past two months, although he’s set for a stint in County Cricket that might prove invaluable.

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Speaking on SEN radio last week, Aussie legend Steve Waugh called on Konstas to revert to a more traditional approach and “show more respect”. His 6 on Thursday came off 16 balls, but Waugh knows he can thrive playing a less aggressive game.

“I just hope he can pull it back a bit now and go back to his normal game, because he can’t survive in Test match cricket playing that way,” Waugh said. “I hope it hasn’t messed with his head because he’s only 19.

“He’s taken on a big risk the way he’s played and he’s probably suffered for it already. He didn’t really know what he was doing (in the Shield match) with the ramps and charging Scott Boland. You’ve got to have more respect for the game because the game will bite you quickly if you don’t respect it.”