Australia have announced their playing XI for the third Test of the five-match series against India, set to take place at the Gabba in Brisbane starting on December 14. Captain Pat Cummins confirmed that there will be one significant change to the team as they look to take the lead in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, which is currently tied at 1-1.
Key change in Australia’s lineup
Josh Hazlewood returns to the starting XI after recovering from a side strain that kept him out of the second Test in Adelaide.
“Josh comes back in … had no hiccups,” Cummins said while addressing the media. “Had a really good bowl yesterday, had another good bowl in Adelaide a few days previous. Him and the medical team are super confident.”
Hazlewood will replace Scott Boland, who had a standout performance in the previous match, taking five wickets.
“It’s tough, he [Scott Boland] was fantastic in Adelaide,” Cummins admitted. “Whenever he’s played, he’s been fantastic. A shame for Scotty, but there’s still a lot of cricket left this summer. I’d be surprised if he doesn’t get another crack at some point,” Cummins added.
Also READ: AUS vs IND 2024, 3rd Test – The Gabba Pitch Report, Brisbane Test Stats and Records
The third Test comes after a decisive victory for Australia in the second Test, where they won by ten wickets. With India emerging victorious in the opening Test at Perth by 295 runs, both teams are aware that the upcoming match could shape the direction of the series and impact their standings in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25.
Australia’s playing XI for the Brisbane Test:
Usman Khawaja, Nathan McSweeney, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood