Cricket Australia has announced their Playing XI for the upcoming IND vs AUS 3rd Test in Brisbane. And as was expected, Josh Hazlewood has made a comeback to the team. He goes on to replace Scott Boland. Pat Cummins has praised the Medical Team for the fast recovery of his pacer. The rest of the team remains unchanged from the Adelaide Test.
It is disappointing that Scott Boland will have to move back to the bench despite having picked 5 wickets in Adelaide. But with Hazlewood regaining 100% fitness, as does Mitchell Marsh the tweak was all that Pat Cummins needed to make for the 3rd Test match of the Border Gavaskar Trophy.
Josh Hazlewood In, Scott Boland Out
It is safe to say that this was the only change that was expected from the hosts. After making a strong comeback in the previous Test, Australia have now leveled the series. And they will be keen to take the lead if they can beat India at the iconic Gabba.
Josh Hazlewood picked up a side strain that ruled him out of the Adelaide Test. And that is where Scott Boland filled in and impressed with his stunning spell. But now with the ace pacer becoming fully fit, he once again gets the nod on the back from the skipper at Boland’s expense.
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“Josh comes back in … had no hiccups. Had a really good bowl yesterday, had another good bowl in Adelaide a few days previous. Him and the medical team are super confident,” Pat Cummins said.
“It’s tough, he 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,” Cummins added.
Australia XI for third Test: Usman Khawaja, Nathan McSweeney, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Mitch Marsh, Alex Carey (wk) Pat Cummins, Mitch Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood
