Cummins has announced that star fast bowler Josh Hazlewood will come back from injury to play the upcoming Brisbane Test against India, in place of Scott Boland, who did so well in the second Test. Hazlewood who was out due to a side strain sustained during the first Test in Perth, missed the pink-ball Test at Adelaide, which Australia won by four wickets. Boland stood up in Hazlewood’s absence and struck and took five vital wickets in two innings.
This move actually reinstates one of those economics under which it has always been asserted that, whenever fit, Australia prefers to field its three seasoned ace pace-bowling combinations star in Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, and Josh Hazlewood. This means that despite his fabulous home Test record, under which he averages a remarkable 13.54, Boland becomes another of those who have been called up for the treatment. Cummins recognized Boland’s contributions but also hinted at the possibility of a return for him further down the series with the depth in Australia’s fast-bowling unit.
It’s tough [leaving Scott Boland out]; he was fantastic in Adelaide…Unfortunately, he has spent quite a bit of time on the bench over the last 18 months; every time he plays, he is fantastic. Bad luck for Scotty, but there is still a fair bit to play out in the series, so I’d be surprised if he doesn’t get another crack at some point,” Cummins said for Scott Boland.
It is a pretty big game for both teams. The Indians, obviously, struggled against the Australian pace battery on their own turf in Adelaide, and with Hazlewood returning to the line-up, it can only boost Australia’s arsenal. His precision with the extra bounce and seam movement adds another obstacle for Indian batters trying to make a comeback.
Hazlewood’s inclusion in the Australian bowling arsenal strengthens the team’s firepower aiming to complete a domination over the hosts. The Gabba pitch has a tradition of assisting fast bowlers, and therefore, Hazlewood’s comeback comes at a good time. Cummins, however, reiterated the significance of pushing the speed and trying to keep the visitors under pressure because they know India will be a lot more competitive.
On the flip side, India would be looking to recover from that outing in Adelaide because it was by any definition, disappointing for them. The come-in of Hazlewood along with Starc and Cummins blesses the Indian batters with an even harder battle, which already seems heating up a notch in this series. Therefore, the Brisbane Test will be crucial in determining the shape this series will take as both teams prepare for its fiercest clash yet.
Australia Playing XI for Brisbane Test
Usman Khawaja, Nathan McSweeney, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Mitch Marsh, Alex Carey (wicket-keeper), Pat Cummins(captain), Mitch Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood
