IND vs AUS: The Aussie speedster Josh Hazlewood was declared fit for selection. The bowler will, in return, feature in the playing XI in the match with West Indies at Brisbane, where Gabba is hosted.
Hazlewood is considered an Australian player who sat out of the second Adelaide test because of a strain of the side. On this count, he replaced the brilliant Scott Boland. This came after his brilliant match play.
Josh Hazelwood’s confirmation on fitness by Pat Cummins ahead of 3rd IND vs AUS Test
Australian captain Pat Cummins has confirmed Hazlewood’s return to full fitness, as he assures that the paceman had passed all the fitness tests following a thorough training and rehabilitation process. He has been bowling strongly in the practice session lately and given the green light by the medical team. According to Cummins, Hazlewood is now good to go and ready to face the challenge in Brisbane.
“We have had more than one fitness test this week, and Hazlewood has cleared all of them with flying colors. He bowled really well yesterday, and he also had a good practice session in Adelaide two days ago,” said Cummins. “The medical team has given us the all-clear, so we’re confident he’s ready to go.”
Hazlewood’s return is a big boost to the Australian bowling attack. His experience and ability to swing the ball make him an important asset, especially in conditions like those at the Gabba.
Boland in Excellent Form but Tough Call for Selection in IND vs AUS BGT series
While Hazlewood’s return is positive news for Australia, it will see Scott Boland – in stellar form in home Tests – missing out. Boland had performed well in the second Test at Adelaide, taking five vital wickets in a resounding Australian victory. Still, with his good show, Boland misses out on the Gabba Test as Hazlewood makes a comeback to the side.
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He did concede this was a very difficult selection call having to leave out Boland after his excellent form at home, where he averages just 13.54. An understanding Australian captain showed solidarity with Boland: ” It is unfortunate he hasn’t been able to spend much more time on the field after the last 18 months. He’s played outstanding cricket every time he gets the opportunity.
“It was a difficult decision to leave Boland out, especially after his excellent performance in Adelaide. He’s been outstanding for us, and we’re very fortunate to have a player of his caliber waiting in the wings,” Cummins explained. “It’s been tough for him not playing more regularly, but we’ve made it clear to him that he will get more chances in this series. We’re preparing him for a potential recall in Melbourne.”
The Boxing Day Test Ahead IND vs AUS
Cummins stated that Boland will likely be given another chance during the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne. This is a venue where Boland has enjoyed much success. Boland made his Test debut during the Ashes in 2021 in Melbourne, and on his debut, he gave an astonishing performance by taking 6/7 against England. Given his record at the MCG, Boland could well return to the XI for that match, with Cummins suggesting that the team will be looking to utilize his skills there.
“We have told him to stay prepared for Melbourne, as there’s a good chance he will play there,” said Cummins. “He’s shown he can be a match-winner at the MCG, and we’ll likely need him for that Test.”
Australia’s Playing XI for the IND vs AUS Gabba Test
Josh Hazlewood will replace Scott Boland in Australia’s playing XI for the Brisbane Test. The other players retain their places from the last Test, with Pat Cummins as the captain, Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne, Travis Head, and Mitchell Starc as some of the other players. The Test squad for the Gabba Test is as follows:
-Pat Cummins (captain)
-Alex Carey (wicketkeeper)
-Josh Hazlewood
-Travis Head
-Usman Khawaja
-Marnus Labuschagne
-Nathan Lyon
-Mitchell Marsh
-Nathan McSweeney
-Steve Smith
-Mitchell Starc
With Hazlewood back in the fold, Australia will look to build off their dominant performance from the first two Tests of the series and maintain their strong position heading into the second half of the series.
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