The Australian national cricket team announced their XI for the second Test of the five-match series against the Indian national cricket team in Adelaide. Pace bowler Scott Boland has returned to the squad, replacing injured bowler Josh Hazlewood for the upcoming day-night Test in Adelaide.
Hazlewood was Australia’s best bowler in the first Test against India in Perth, where Australia suffered a 295-run defeat. The right-arm pacer took four wickets on Day 1 as India were bowled out for just 150 runs. He conceded just 28 runs in his 21 overs in the second innings, where India posted 487/6.
Scott Boland will return to Australia after an 18-month hiatus
Scott Boland will play his first Test for the national team in almost 18 months, with his last appearance coming in last year’s Ashes series. Meanwhile, Mitch Marsh was retained in the squad despite struggling with back stiffness which prevented him from bowling fully during India’s second innings in Perth.
Boland has played ten Tests, taking 35 wickets at an average of 20.34 and an economy of 2.79. He has taken five wickets in two Tests against India, averaging 27.80 and an economy of 2.62. Boland also played for Australia A and the Prime Minister’s XI ahead of the second Test match.
It’s pretty awesome to have someone like Scotty – Pat Cummins
Pat Cummins expressed his confidence in Scott Boland’s fitness for the second Test. He added that the conditions would suit Boland’s style of bowling. He praised Boland for his consistency and ability to bowl big spells.
“Traditionally here, there’s usually a bit of a pinch, which obviously suits Scotty very well. All last summer, he was groomed to go, but nobody fell, so it seems like it’s been a long time. He had a good time. Small success in Canberra a few days ago too , so his preparation was very good.”
“He’s happy with how he’s coming out and his pace. As a captain, it’s pretty awesome to have someone like Scotty coming straight in. He can bowl a lot of overs if he needs to, super consistent. He’s played at this level so he looks ready to start,” Cummins told reporters Thursday.
Australia playing XI for 1st Test against Sri Lanka:
Usman Khawaja, Nathan McSweeney, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Mitch Marsh, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland
India are aiming to maintain their momentum after their comeback win in the first Test in Perth, securing a 1-0 lead in the five-match series against Australia. The home team, on the other hand, will be hoping to bounce back and level the series. The second Test, a day-night pink ball game, begins on Friday, December 6.
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