Boland omitted for Brisbane Test with Hazlewood resuming spot in Aussie XI

Jarred Cross
Jarred Cross Published December 13, 2024 at 11.30am (AWST)

Scott Boland has again been relegated to the sidelines with Josh Hazlewood returning to the Australian men's XI for the third Test in Brisbane, starting Saturday.

Boland came in for his first Test in 18 months, and 11th overall, to replace Hazlewood, who was ruled out with a side strain in Adelaide last week.

The Gulidjan quick took 5/105 in the 10-wicket win to level the Border-Gavaskar series, including crucial wickets of Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, returning captain Rohit Sharma and Perth centurian Yashasvi Jaiswal to help swing the contest firmly in the hosting side's favour.

Hazlewood's turnaround appeared likely following his return to bowling off a full run up in recent days, including a session in Brisbane on Thursday.

As early as Monday, Hazlewood said he had "ticked every box so far this week…you lean on the side of caution, but it's very minor compared to the last few (side strains)".

His inclusion to replace Boland is the only change to the side from Adelaide.

Confirming the team on Friday, Australian captain Pat Cummins said it was unfortunate new for Boland after an impressive showing.

He didn't rule out a possible return for Boland through the remaining two red ball games of the summer.

"He was fantastic in Adelaide. Unfortunately spent quite a bit of time on the bench over the last kind of 18 months, and whenever he plays is fantastic. It's a shame for Scotty, but still a fair bit to play out this series, so I'd be surprised he doesn't get another crack at some point," he said.

Cummins added Hazlewood "had no hiccups" and showed good signs in recent days.

"Him and the medical team are super confident," he said.

Boland spent the entirety of last summer touring with the side without breaking into the XI, making a late dash home from New Zealand to feature in Victoria's attempt to qualify for the Sheffield Shield final.

"After last summer, not getting a go with those guys getting through seven Tests, I probably thought I wouldn't get another chance," Boland told Fox Cricket at the weekend.

"Chatting to Ron (Australian coach Andrew McDonald) and George (Bailey, chief selector), they've been really clear on what they think, and given me the motivation to keep doing the rehab when you feel it's a little bit crappy. It's been good having those conversations."

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