Australia have announced their playing XI for the third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy which will be played at the Gabba in Brisbane and it starts on the 14th of December. There is just one change from the pink-ball Test.
Josh Hazlewood has been declared fit and he will replace Scott Boland. The 33-year-old fast bowler missed the second Test in Adelaide because of a side strain. He was recovering well and bowled a couple of spells in Adelaide towards the end of the second Test. In Brisbane, he trained at the Allan Border Field alongside Mitchell Starc under the supervision of Australia bowling coach Daniel Vettori. He also passed a couple of fitness tests before the decision was made.
Thus, Australia captain Pat Cummins confirmed that Hazlewood is fit and ready to go. He revealed that the medical staff are quite confident about Hazlewood. The latter was Australia’s best bowler in Perth.
“He’s [Josh Hazlewood] had no hiccups. He had a really good bowl yesterday and a bowl in Adelaide a couple of days previous. The medical team are super confident,” Pat Cummins was quoted saying in the pre-match press conference in Brisbane.
Tough to leave Boland out: Cummins
Hazlewood’s inclusion means Australia have had to leave out Boland who bowled really well and took five wickets in the pink-ball Test. In fact, the 35-year-old Victoria pacer has a sublime record at home. He has 33 wickets in seven Tests in Australia and averages 13.54.
Cummins did admit that it was tough to leave Boland out. However, he believes that Boland still could play an integral part further in the series.
“It’s tough [leaving him out], he was fantastic in Adelaide. Unfortunately, he spent quite a bit of time on the bench over the last 18 months and whenever he plays he’s fantastic. Shame for Scotty. But still, a fair bit to play out in the series. So, I’d be surprised if he doesn’t get another crack at some point,” the Australian captain added.
The series is currently 1-1. Australia have not won more than one Test in a Border-Gavaskar series over the last 10 years. The last four series (two at home and two away) have been won by India 2-1. Hence, the Pat Cummins-led side will be eyeing a series-defining 2-1 lead in this five-match rubber.
AUSTRALIA XI FOR 3rd TEST: Usman Khawaja, Nathan McSweeney, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Mitch Marsh, Alex Carey (wicket-keeper), Pat Cummins (captain), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood.
