BGT 2024-25: Josh Hazlewood set to play in 3rd test at Gabba, Pat Cummins hints Scott Boland might return at MCG

Josh Hazlewood missed the second test due to a side strain.

Australia captain Pat Cummins has confirmed that Josh Hazlewood will return to the XI for the third test against India of the ongoing BGT 2024-25, which will be played from December 14 at the Gabba.

Hazlewood will replace Scott Boland, who, in the senior pacer’s absence, was terrific in the second test in Adelaide, claiming 5/105 across the match. Boland took the key wickets of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Virat Kohli in India’s second innings.

Josh Hazlewood featured in the first test in Perth and made a big impact during India’s first innings that folded for only 150. But he suffered a side strain and missed the Adelaide test. Between the second and third tests, Hazlewood had a couple of lengthy fitness tests.

Cummins said of Hazlewood’s fitness, “He’s had no hiccups. He had a really good bowl yesterday and a bowl in Adelaide a couple of days previous. The medical team are super confident.”

Scott Boland likely to play at MCG in fourth test

Boland has a terrific record in Australia: 33 wickets in seven tests at an average of only 13.54.

Cummins emphasized Boland’s bad luck at missing out on the Gabba test but hinted that the seamer is likely to feature in the fourth test at the MCG, where he has a sensational record: 10 wickets in two tests at 13.8, including 6/7 against England.

“It’s tough [leaving him out], he was fantastic in Adelaide. Unfortunately he spent quite a bit of time on the bench over the last 18 months and whenever he plays he’s fantastic. Shame for Scotty, but 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,” the Aussie skipper said on Boland.

“[We told him] it’s about preparing for the MCG because there’s a good chance we might need you. History suggests there’s always some form of natural attrition throughout a Test series. A good thing [is], he’s probably played a Test earlier in the series than he maybe thought. Showed that his standards still super high. [It’s] about trying to set him up for the last two Test matches.”

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