Australia has confirmed their playing XI for the second Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 against India, scheduled at the Adelaide Oval. After suffering a crushing 295-run defeat in the Perth opener, the Pat Cummins-led side faces mounting pressure. With their World Test Championship final hopes on the line, the Day-Night Test presents a prime opportunity for redemption. Australia remains undefeated in pink-ball Tests at home, making this match a critical juncture in their campaign.
The team has made one change, bringing in Scott Boland to replace Josh Hazlewood. Boland, a 35-year-old pacer, boasts impressive stats with 35 wickets from 10 Tests at an average of 20.34. Hazlewood, sidelined by a low-grade left-side injury, will miss the Test as a precautionary measure despite the injury not being severe.
Boland’s return marks his first Test since the Ashes 2023. While consistently part of the squad, he has often been overshadowed by the formidable trio of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Hazlewood. This Test offers Boland a valuable chance to reestablish himself in the Australian bowling lineup.
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Meanwhile, Mitchell Marsh has retained his place in the XI despite carrying a minor injury. Though there were discussions about resting him in favour of uncapped all-rounder Beau Webster, Marsh’s strong batting performance in the nets secured his spot. However, he will play solely as a specialist batter, with Marnus Labuschagne potentially stepping in as a fourth seam option if required.
Australia 🇦🇺 have named their playing XI for the second Test vs India 🇮🇳 with Scott Boland coming in after 18 months out pic.twitter.com/rcIP4LZBRq
— cricket. fans sort.! (@cricketsortfan) December 5, 2024
Australia’s batting remains under scrutiny after a dismal showing in the first Test, where senior players like Usman Khawaja, Labuschagne, and Steve Smith failed to deliver. Their performances in Adelaide will be crucial as the team seeks to stabilize their top order and build competitive totals.
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With minimal changes to their playing combination, Australia will rely on their proven performers to turn the tide. The pink-ball Test at Adelaide is not only a chance for recovery but also a critical test of their resilience and ability to handle pressure in this high-stakes series.
Australia Playing XI
Usman Khawaja, Nathan McSweeney, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland
