Brisbane: Right-arm fast bowler Josh Hazlewood has been named in Australia's playing XI for the third Test of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 against India at The Gabba, replacing Scott Boland.
Hazlewood had been sidelined due to a side injury, missing the second Test where Australia secured a commanding 10-wicket win in Adelaide, leveling the five-match series at 1-1.
However, he has made a timely recovery and will take Boland's place in the lineup for the upcoming match.
"Josh is back in ... he had no issues. He bowled really well yesterday and performed admirably in Adelaide a few days ago. Both he and the medical team are very confident," Cummins stated to reporters in Brisbane on Friday, as reported by the ICC.
Cummins acknowledged the challenge of omitting Boland from the squad, expressing optimism that the right-arm bowler will have opportunities later in the series.
"It's a tough decision; he (Boland) was excellent in Adelaide. Unfortunately, he has spent a significant amount of time on the sidelines over the last 18 months. Whenever he has played, he has been outstanding. It's unfortunate for Scotty, but there is still a lot of cricket left in this series. I would be surprised if he doesn't get another chance," Cummins remarked.
The upcoming match at The Gabba is vital for both teams, as Australia and India vie for a spot in next year's ICC World Test Championship Final at Lord's, requiring a series of favorable outcomes to secure their positions in the one-off Test.
Australia's XI for the third Test: Usman Khawaja, Nathan McSweeney, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Mitch Marsh, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood.
