Australia have made just one change to their playing XI ahead of the second Test against India in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Star pacer Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out due to pressure on the side. This paved the way for Scott Boland’s return to the Test arena. The pink ball clash kicks off on Friday December 6 at Adelaide Oval.
Hazlewood Out, Boland for Adelaide Test
Hazlewood’s absence is a major blow for Australia. Known for his brilliance with the pink ball, Hazlewood boasts 37 wickets in eight Day-night Tests at an impressive average of 18.86. He is unavailable due to injury concerns and is replaced by Scott Boland.
Boland last played for Australia in a Test in the 2023 Ashes. He has played 10 Tests and taken 35 wickets. While Boland’s Test record was excellent, his performances against India were a bit patchy. He took five wickets in two innings in the final of WTC 2023. On the other hand, he was error-free in the Nagpur Test last year.
Governor of Australia Pat Cummins confirmed that Boland will replace Hazlewood as the only change to the Aussie lineup.
A must win game for Australia
Australia head into the second Test with renewed motivation after a 295-run defeat by India in Perth. The defeat exposed cracks in their squad, which had collapsed jasprit bumrahrelentless bowling.
In their last pink ball clash against India in Adelaide, India were bowled out for a record low 36 runs in the second innings. Australia will be keen to channel that dominance and level the series.
The good news for Australia is that everything is going well Marnus Labuschagne and Mitchell Marshof physical condition. Marsh was very impressive with the ball in the Perth Test and will be instrumental in balancing the side.
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