Josh Hazlewood has been named in Australia’s XI for the third Test against India at the Gabba, replacing Scott Boland after recovering from a side strain. Hazlewood’s return reunites Australia’s star pace trio of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Hazlewood, with the home side aiming to take a crucial 2-1 lead in the series.
Scott Boland, who impressed with five wickets in the second Test in Adelaide, was described as unlucky by captain Pat Cummins.
“It’s tough. He was fantastic in Adelaide,” Cummins said. “Whenever he plays, he’s brilliant. I’d be surprised if he didn’t play again in this series.”
Hazlewood, known for his control and consistency, has been carefully managed after struggling with side strains in recent years. Cummins expressed confidence in his teammate’s readiness to handle the demands of Test cricket.
“He’s had no hiccups,” Cummins told reporters. “He bowled well in Adelaide and again during our preparations here. Him and the medical team are confident he’s ready to go.”
India, meanwhile, has named an unchanged XI, retaining their core group in pursuit of a series lead. Captain Rohit Sharma will be looking to rally his side after their 10-wicket loss in Adelaide.
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
India XI for the third Test:
Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Umesh Yadav
The Gabba pitch, which drew criticism last year after a Test against South Africa ended in two days, has been a point of focus. Groundstaff have worked to deliver a balanced surface, with captain Cummins noting a more traditional Gabba wicket during practice.
The third Test is pivotal, as Australia seeks to re-establish the Gabba as a fortress following mixed results at the venue in recent years.
With the series tied at 1-1, the Gabba Test is set to be a thrilling encounter as both teams vie for control of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.