AUS vs IND, 2nd Test: Australia announces playing XI; Scott Boland replaces Josh Hazlewood

Hazlewood starred in India’s last pink-ball Test Down Under, picking five wickets as India folded for 36 runs. However, he has been ruled out with a side strain.

IND Vs AUS, Pink-Ball Test: Boland In, Hazlewood Out - Check Out Australia's Playing XI | AUS vs IND, 2nd Test: Australia announces playing XI; Scott Boland replaces Josh Hazlewood

Australia announced its starting lineup for the second Test match against India in Adelaide on Friday, with Scott Boland replacing the injured Josh Hazlewood. Hazlewood was a standout performer in India’s last pink-ball Test in Australia, taking five wickets as India collapsed for just 36 runs. However, he has been ruled out due to a side strain. The 35-year-old Boland will be playing his first Test since last year’s Ashes series in England.

This was the only change in the lineup, as Mitchell Marsh, who was doubtful for the match due to an injury, has been included.

Australia is currently trailing 1-0 in the five-Test series against India after suffering a heavy defeat in the opening match in Perth by 295 runs.

IND Vs AUS, Pink-Ball Test: Boland In, Hazlewood Out - Check Out Australia's Playing XI

Home team skipper Pat Cummins also confirmed that Mitchell Marsh had been declared fit to bowl in the Adelaide Test, and said the pitch should suit Scott Boland

Australia captain Pat Cummins confirmed that seamer Scott Boland will replace the injured Josh Hazlewood in the hosts' playing XI for the Adelaide Test against India, starting Friday (December 6, 2024). Hazlewood is out with a side strain suffered during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series opener in Perth. (Streaming | Key Battles | Preview)

Explaining the rationale behind the team's decision to opt for Boland, Cummins said: "Traditionally here (in Adelaide) there's normally a bit of nip which obviously suits Scotty quite well. All last summer he was geared up to go and no one fell over. It's been quite a while. He had a good hit out in Canberra a couple of days ago, so his prep's been really good, he's happy with how it's coming out and his rhythm.

"As a captain it's pretty awesome for someone like Scotty to come in. You know he can bowl a huge amount of overs if you need. He's super consistent, he's performed at this level, so he's ready to go."

Further, Cummins revealed that Mitchell Marsh had been declared fit to bowl as he was in good shape. "Mitchell Marsh will definitely bowl in this Test. I would imagine a few spells but he is ready to go. He (Marsh) is bowling well this week. His body is great and this has been for a while. So, he is ready to go out there and happy to bowl," he added.

Cummins agreed that play on the opening day could be a start-stop affair with potential rain threat. "The pitch looks good with even coverage of grass and so not sure what to make of it. It is going to be a bit more rain than what they had perhaps thought and there will be covers on and off but right now the sun is baking it," he added.

Australia XI for second Test: Usman Khawaja, Nathan Mc Sweeney, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Mitch Marsh, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland