Josh Hazlewood has returned to Australia’s playing XI for the third Test against India at the Gabba. He has recovered from a side strain that kept him out during the Adelaide Test. Captain Pat Cummins confirmed Hazlewood’s selection, with Scott Boland stepping aside despite his excellent performance, taking five wickets in the second Test, which helped level the series 1-1.
“Josh is back in the team… no issues at all,” said Cummins. “He bowled really well yesterday and a few days earlier in Adelaide. Both he and the medical staff are very confident.”
Boland, who has been performing consistently well, was unlucky to miss out. “It’s tough on him; he was brilliant in Adelaide,” Cummins acknowledged. “Whenever he’s played, he’s been fantastic. It’s unfortunate for Scotty, but there’s a lot of cricket still to be played this summer. I’m sure he’ll get another chance soon.”
Hazlewood demonstrated his fitness with a solid training session alongside Mitchell Starc under the Queensland sun. Bowling coach Dan Vettori oversaw the session, where Hazlewood bowled to squad member Josh Inglis and Queensland’s Lachlan Hearne.
Cummins explained why Hazlewood and Starc trained separately at Allan Border Field: “It’s something we’ve done often. The practice nets at the Gabba are a bit short for full run-ups, so we get better preparation at AB Field. There’s no other reason.”
With Hazlewood back, Australia will field a nearly full-strength team, aiming to take the lead in the series in Brisbane.
Australia XI for the 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.
