Australia and India will face off in a day/night Test match starting in Adelaide on December 6. Australia has suffered a significant setback ahead of the Test match as their great pacer Josh Hazelwood is unable to play because of a side strain. As reported by Fox Cricket, Pat Cummins has confirmed that in the Australian starting lineup for the second Test, which starts on Friday, Scott Boland, who has not participated in Test cricket since the 2023 Ashes in England, will take Josh Hazlewood's spot.
Although Hazlewood was ruled out of the Adelaide Test due to a low-grade left-side injury, his recent form further highlights his importance. Although the official line is fitness-related, rumours have circulated regarding possible friction between Hazlewood and other squad members following remarks made after the Perth defeat. Hazlewood stood out with five wickets, including a four-wicket haul, despite Australia's crushing 294-run loss to India in the Perth Test.
Hazlewood's record in Day-Night Tests
Hazlewood's Day-Night Test record is a testament to his skill. The bowler has taken 37 wickets at a remarkable average of 18.86 in eight pink-ball Test matches, including two five-wicket hauls. Notably, in November 2015, Hazlewood dismissed Martin Guptill of New Zealand in Adelaide, making him the first bowler to take a wicket in pink-ball Test history.
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Boland's performance against India
Boland will be keen to take advantage of the chance given to him in Hazlewood's absence. He has taken five wickets at an average of 27.80 in two games against India.
With captain Rohit Sharma rejoining the team, India is also anticipated to make one change to their playing XI for the pink ball Tests. It is unclear if the India captain will give up his starting position for KL Rahul, who did a fantastic job opening the innings in Perth while he was away.
Australia's playing XI against India in Adelaide Test
Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey (wk), Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitch Marsh, Nathan McSweeney, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc