The playing lineup for Australia's third Test match against India at the Gabba in Brisbane has been confirmed. Scott Boland was replaced by Josh Hazlewood, who returned to the team after missing the second Test because of a side strain. With Hazlewood being fit, the 35-year-old bowler was bound to be overlooked despite his strong performance in the Day-Night Test in Adelaide, where he claimed five wickets. Boland did well in every chance he had to play for the national side, according to captain Pat Cummins, but Hazlewood was a sure pick when the series was on the line. However, Cummins stated that the pacer will eventually receive another chance to start in the starting lineup.
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Cummins confirms big change
"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 in this series. I would be surprised if he doesn't get another crack at some point," Cummins told reporters.
"(We told him) it's about preparing for the MCG because there's a good chance we might need you. History suggests there's always some form of natural attrition throughout a Test series. A good thing is, he's probably played a Test earlier in the series than he maybe thought. Showed that his standards still super high. [It's] about trying to set him up for the last two Test matches," he added
After the Gabba curator stated that the pitch would have more bounce and velocity for the third Test, there were earlier rumours that Nathan Lyon might be left out of the starting lineup. When the two teams last played at the location, India broke through the fortress, despite Gabba being one of Australia's fastest wickets. The curator claims that pitches used in matches played prior to Christmas have more life than those used in January matches, despite the fact that the Test was played in January. The information stoked rumours that Australia will launch an all-out assault. However, Lyon kept his spot in the squad, most likely as a result of Mitchell Marsh's affirmation that he was healthy enough to bowl in the third Test.
Australia 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 Hazlewood