Australia have announced their playing XI for the third Test against India at the Brisbane Cricket Ground. The team has made one significant change, with Josh Hazlewood replacing Scott Boland in the lineup.
Australian skipper Pat Cummins confirmed Hazlewood’s return during the pre-match press conference, stating that the fast bowler has fully recovered from the side strain that kept him out of the pink-ball Test in Adelaide.
“He’s had no hiccups. He had a really good bowl yesterday and another in Adelaide earlier. Both he and the medical team are confident,” Cummins told reporters. Hazlewood’s recovery reinstates him as a key member of Australia’s pace attack, pushing Boland, his backup, out of the XI despite Boland’s strong performance in Adelaide.
Apart from this change, the rest of the Australian lineup remains unchanged. Usman Khawaja will open the batting alongside Nathan McSweeney. Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, and Mitchell Marsh form a solid middle order. Alex Carey will handle wicketkeeping duties.
In the bowling department, Cummins will lead the attack with the in-form Mitchell Starc, Hazlewood, and Nathan Lyon. The hosts are counting on this combination to deliver a strong performance as they aim to maintain momentum in the series.
Australia’s Playing XI for 3rd Test vs India:
Usman Khawaja, Nathan McSweeney, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Mitch Marsh, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood.
Leave a Reply