Australian fast bowler Scott Boland is back in the playing XI for the second Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, replacing Josh Hazlewood. The Test will be a pink-ball, day-night game at the Adelaide Oval, starting Friday, December 6.
Boland first gained attention with a sensational debut during the Boxing Day Test against England in the Ashes 2021-22. Playing at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, he delivered a stunning performance, taking six wickets for just seven runs in England’s second innings. This helped Australia secure an innings victory, with England bowled out for a mere 68 runs.
Josh Hazlewood, unfortunately, misses this match due to injury, opening the door for Boland’s return. The Victorian bowler recently showcased his skills in the Prime Minister’s XI match against the touring Indian team, where he bowled with the pink ball as part of the warm-up game.
Nathan McSweeney Retains His Spot
In other team updates, Nathan McSweeney, who debuted in the first Test, retains his place in the lineup. He is set to bat alongside opener Usman Khawaja. Meanwhile, Beau Webster, who was in the squad, has not been included in the playing XI for this match.
Australia’s Playing XI for the Second Test:
Usman Khawaja, Nathan McSweeney, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins (C), Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland
Adelaide Oval Ready for a Thrilling Contest
The iconic Adelaide Oval will host this exciting day-night Test. Australia previously played a pink-ball Test against the West Indies at the Gabba earlier this year, a match the visitors won to level the series.
For India, this will be their second day-night Test abroad. Their first was during the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, where they were bowled out for a shocking 36 runs in the third innings. India’s last pink-ball Test was two years ago against Sri Lanka at Bengaluru’s M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
The stage is set for an intense battle as both teams look to gain the upper hand in the series under the lights of the picturesque Adelaide Oval.
Also Read: BGT 2024-25: Adelaide Weather Forecast For Ind vs Aus Second Test
