Josh Hazlewood Replaces Scott Boland For Third Test Against India At Gabba
The Australian right-arm seamer Josh Hazlewood will be replacing Scott Boland in the bowling lineup of the team on Saturday. This was announced when on Friday Australia announced their playing XI for the third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India. The third Test match between India and Australia will kick off on December 14, Sunday, at the Gabba. Last time when both the teams played at the Gabba, India handed over Australia their first loss in over 30 years during the 2020-21 tour. However, Australia will be looking forward to winning the third Test in Gabba and continuing their dominance in the series. Currently the series is 1-1; India won the first Test by 295 runs, beating Australia by 295 runs. While Australia won the second by beating India with 10 wickets.
The third Test will be crucial for both teams, as both teams are in the race for the upcoming ICC World Test Championship final at Lord’s. They need some positive points on their side in the series to book their spot in the finals.
Hazelwood missed the second Test as he was battling a side injury in Adelaide. He has now recovered and will be playing the third Test at the Gabba, replacing Scott Boland.
While talking with the reporters in Brisbane on Friday, the Australian skipper Pat Cummins stated about Hazelwood’s comeback in the third Test that he is super fit and confident.
“Josh comes back in and had no hiccups. Had a really good bowl yesterday; had another good bowl in Adelaide a few days previous. He and the medical team are super confident.”
Cummins also stated that it was difficult to drop Boland in the third Test from the playing XI and also shed light on the topic that further, at some stage in the series, he expects him to play.
“It’s tough; he (Boland) was fantastic in Adelaide. He’s unfortunately spent a fair bit of time on the bench over the past 18 months. And whenever he’s played, he’s been fantastic. A shame for Scotty, but still a fair bit to play out this series. I would be surprised if he doesn’t get another crack at some point.”
AUSTRALIA PLAYING XI FOR THIRD TEST
Usman Khawaja, Nathan McSweeney, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Mitch Marsh, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (C), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazelwood.