Australia have confirmed the playing XI for the third Test against India at the GABBA, Brisbane. Josh Hazlewood, who missed the second Test due to a side strain, made a return to the side, replacing Scott Boland. The 35-year-old pacer performed well in the Day-Night Test in Adelaide, taking five wickets, but with Hazlewood fit, a snub was inevitable for him. Captain Pat Cummins said Boland performed well in every opportunity he got for the national team, but with series at stake, Hazlewood was an automatic selection. Cummins, however, said the pacer will get another crack in the XI at some point.

"It's tough, he was fantastic in Adelaide," Cummins said. "He's unfortunately spent a fair bit of time on the bench over the past 18 months. And whenever he's played, he's been fantastic. A shame for Scotty, but still a fair bit to play out this series. I would be surprised if he doesn't get another crack at some point," Cummins told reporters.

Earlier, there were speculations that Nathan Lyon could be dropped from the XI after the GABBA curator confirmed that the pitch would have extra pace and bounce during the third Test. GABBA is one of the fastest wickets in Australia, but India breached the fortress when the two teams last played at the venue. However, the Test was played in January, and according to the curator, the pitches in matches played before Christmas have more life than the pitches used in matches in January. The revelation fueled speculations of Australia going in with an all-pace attack. Lyon, however, retained his place in the side, probably because Mitchell Marsh confirmed that he was fit to bowl in the third Test.

Australia XI For Third Test: Usman Khawaja, Nathan McSweeney, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Mitch Marsh, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood

More to follow....

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