Scott Boland, who picked up 6/7 in the Melbourne Test to help Australia retain the Ashes, has been included in the 11 for the Sydney Test while Usman Khawaja replaces Travis Head.
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Scott Boland, who picked up 6/7 to help Australia retain the Ashes in the Melbourne Test, has been included in the playing 11 for the Sydney Test against England. Josh Hazlewood, who sustained a side strain during the Brisbane Test, has still not recovered fully from the injury. Jhye Richardson, who had a leg injury after taking five wickets in the Adelaide Test, had also not recovered. This opened the door for Boland to retain his place for the fourth Test starting on January 5.
However, the only change in the Australian team for the Sydney Test is Usman Khawaja replacing Travis Head. Khawaja, who made his Ashes debut in Sydney in 2011, also scored his first Ashes ton at the same venue six years later. Khawaja comes in for Head, who tested positive for the coronavirus in Melbourne. According to Victoria Government Health regulations, Head will have to be in isolation for 10 days, thus missing the Sydney Test. There is a hope that Head will come back for the fifth and final Test in Hobart. Hazlewood, too, is expected to return for the final Test.
Heading into the Test match, it was certain that Hazlewood would replace Boland in the side. But, the injury to Hazlewood meant that he could not bowl full tilt at the nets. Australia skipper Pat Cummins stated that he was glad Boland was getting another chance after his heroic performance in Melbourne.
Read | Travis Head to miss Sydney Test after testing positive for Coronavirus
“You need that disciplined stump to stump bowler. That’s what Scott brings to the table. It’s no secret. If Josh Hazlewood was available, he was going to play. (But) it would have been a real shame to see Scotty not play this week after his efforts last week. I’m really glad he gets another crack out here,” Cummins said.
With the pitch in Sydney expected to assist some spin, Nathan Lyon will be the key in the match. However, Australia has roped in legspinner Mitchell Swepson as the other spinner to work with Lyon in this match.
The last time Australia clashed against England in Sydney, they registered comfortable innings win. But, the weather in Sydney is not looking promising for all the days. There is an 80 percent chance of rain on day 1. On all the subsequent days, there is a 70 percent chance of rain. Thus, England could escape a 5-0 whitewash.
David Warner, Marcus Harris, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Usman Khawaja, Cameron Green, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins (captain), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland
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