December 5, 2024: Australia’s playing eleven for the upcoming second Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) in Adelaide has been announced, with pacer Scott Boland set to replace the injured Josh Hazlewood. This will be Boland’s first Test appearance for Australia in 18 months, making his return after his last outing in the Ashes series earlier this year. Hazlewood, who picked up an injury during the first Test in Perth, will miss the Adelaide Test, making way for Boland to take his place in the XI.
Additionally, Mitchell Marsh, who had been dealing with some back stiffness during the second innings of the Perth Test, has been cleared to bowl and will be available for selection in Adelaide. Marsh’s inclusion, despite his fitness concerns, adds a vital all-round option to Australia’s lineup.
In the pre-match press conference, Pat Cummins, the Australian captain, expressed his enthusiasm about having Boland in the squad, calling it “pretty awesome” for the veteran fast bowler to come straight into the XI. Boland’s inclusion further strengthens Australia’s pace attack, alongside Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Nathan Lyon.
The Adelaide Test will be significant for both sides, as India is keen to avoid repeating their disastrous collapse of 36 all out in the 2020 pink-ball Test at the same venue. That loss remains one of the lowest points in Indian cricket, with Australia’s bowlers, led by Pat Cummins (4/21) and Josh Hazlewood (5/8), running riot in the second innings. India’s mental resilience will be tested as they look to overcome that trauma while also seeking to build on their dominant win in the Perth Test, where they triumphed by 295 runs.
With Scott Boland and Mitchell Marsh added to the mix, Australia will be aiming to make the most of their home advantage in the second Test. On the other hand, India, buoyed by their recent win, will be determined to avoid the ghosts of Adelaide 2020 and push for a series lead.
Australia Playing XI for the Second Test:
- Usman Khawaja
- Nathan McSweeney
- Marnus Labuschagne
- Steve Smith
- Travis Head
- Mitch Marsh
- Alex Carey (WK)
- Pat Cummins (C)
- Mitchell Starc
- Nathan Lyon
- Scott Boland
As the second Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy kicks off on December 6, both teams will have a lot at stake, and the contest promises to be as thrilling as ever.
