Australia announce playing XI for Gabba Test, Josh Hazlewood returns

For the third Test, Scott Boland was replaced by Hazlewood. Australia doesn’t want to upset the trio of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood, but the 35-year-old had a terrific time in Adelaide, taking five wickets. Hazlewood was also in form in the first Test match in Perth, taking four wickets in the first and one in the second. The cricket player immediately returned to the starting lineup with that in mind.

Josh Hazlewood, a star pacer, made a comeback to the starting lineup for the third Test match against India at Gabba. Hazlewood missed the series’ second Test because of a side strain, although he quickly resumed training after the Adelaide match. The pacer’s timely recovery was questioned, though. The 33-year-old has already stated that he did not have any significant injuries, but he could afford to take a vacation because the series is still early.

Meanwhile, Steve Smith and Usman Khawaja’s current form is worrisome. Australia lost early wickets quickly because neither of the veteran hitters was able to establish their dominance in the middle.

Nathan McSweeney is quite new to the setup, thus it might not be realistic to expect the young player to produce well and consistently. Former international David Warner was not persuaded by Marnus Labushchagne’s half-century in the previous game.

India would like to cause harm in that particular location. Travis Head may be exposed early if the visitors are able to secure a few early wickets. Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj will be crucial with the new ball. In the Test series, the flashy Australian batsman has caused India some trouble thus far, and considering his recent performance, the 30-year-old could cause the Rohit Sharma-led team further problems.

Both sides place a great deal of significance on the third Test since the victor can seize the series lead, which is vital before the Melbourne and Sydney Tests. Their momentum heading into the final two Tests will be crucial because they are still in the running for the WTC final.

“Josh comes back in… had no hiccups,” Cummins remarked. I had a great bowl yesterday and another one in Adelaide a few days ago. He is very confident, as is the medical staff. Boland, who has had consistently excellent performances, is unfortunate to be left out by the decision. Cummins acknowledged, “It’s difficult, he was amazing in Adelaide.”

He’s been amazing every time he’s performed. It’s unfortunate for Scotty, but cricket is still very much in play this summer. He went on, “I’d be shocked if he didn’t get another chance at some point.”

Australia Playing XI

Usman Khawaja, Nathan McSweeney, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Mitch Marsh, Alex Carey (wk) Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood.