Australia skipper Pat Cummins has revealed his playing XI for the much-awaited second Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) Test against India. Josh Hazlwood, who was expected to miss due to a niggle, has been forced to sit out. This means Scott Boland will make his Test return, who last played in the 3rd Ashes Test in Leeds in 2023. Meanwhile, Mitchell Marsh has remained in the lineup despite him getting a potential injury after “over-bowling” in the BGT opener.
Marsh stays, Boland dangerous for India
Marsh, who was first touted to miss the Adelaide match, has been retained. This comes despite Australia adding Beau Webster as his potential backup. Marsh bowled 17 overs in Perth, and there were reports that he might be rested in Adelaide. However, he will continue batting at number six.
Meanwhile, the single change will come in the bowling lineup. Scott Boland replaces Josh Hazlewood. He’s a good like-for-like replacement and can bowl long and relentless spells. He’s already played 10 matches for Australia, 2 of which have been Pink Ball Tests. Boland even had some practice as he featured for the Prime Minister’s XI at the Manuka Oval. Of all the bowlers, he seemed to be in control the most but couldn’t get a wicket in the 92-over match.
| Mat | Overs | Wkts | BBI | BBM | Ave | Econ | SR | 5 | |
| Overall | 10 | 255.1 | 35 | 6/7 | 7/55 | 20.34 | 2.79 | 43.7 | 1 |
| In AUS | 6 | 155.1 | 28 | 6/7 | 7/55 | 12.21 | 2.2 | 33.2 | 1 |
Skipper Cummins confirmed this change while addressing the media in the pre-match press conference on Thursday, December 5.
Australia Playing XI for 2nd BGT Test
| S. No | Player Name | Role |
| 1 | Usman Khawaja | Batter |
| 2 | Nathan McSweeney | Batter |
| 3 | Marnus Labuschagne | Batter |
| 4 | Steve Smith | Batter |
| 5 | Travis Head | Batter |
| 6 | Mitchell Marsh | All-rounder |
| 7 | Alex Carey (wk) | Wicketkeeper / Batter |
| 8 | Mitchell Starc | Bowler (Pace) |
| 9 | Pat Cummins (c) | Bowler (Pace) / Captain |
| 10 | Nathan Lyon | Bowler (Spin) |
| 11 | Scott Boland* | Bowler (Pace) |
