Ashes 2021-22: Australia Announce Playing XI For Boxing Day Test, Scott Boland Primed For Debut

Pat Cummins returns to the playing XI as Australia have named their playing XI for the third Test match in Melbourne. The Aussies are leading 2-0 in the series courtesy of their wins in the first two games by big margins. A win for Australia at the MCG will mean that they will win the Ashes series at home. 

Scott Boland has been duly rewarded for his consistent performances in the Sheffield Shield. The Australian skipper has confirmed that Boland is set to make his Test debut. Boland has been in red-hot form for Victoria in the Sheffield Shield. He picked up 15 wickets from 2 matches against New South Wales, averaging 10. The pacer also featured in the game against England Lions in Brisbane before getting together with the national team in Adelaide.

Scott Boland Set For Ashes Debut

We're going to see an #Ashes debutant on Boxing Day – congratulations to paceman Scott Boland! 🇦🇺

In front of his home crowd too… 🥰

More details: https://t.co/4YjmP2DgFf pic.twitter.com/EGEFyqNMBs

— Cricket Australia (@CricketAus) December 24, 2021

“His record speaks for itself here in domestic cricket. Home ground, having someone fresh like him who can perform straightaway were the big factors. He’s really excited obviously – it’s a dream for him to wear the Baggy Green, packed MCG on Boxing Day, it doesn’t get any better” Cummins said. 

Australia Eye 3-0 Lead In Melbourne

Boland’s inclusion will mean that Jhye Richardson and Michael Neser will need to sit out. Both players have made their presence felt in the first two Test matches for Australia. Mitchell Starc has been included in this Test. As a part of Australia’s rotation policy, the left-ar pacer might be rested in the fourth Test. 

“Boland has been training with the team in Adelaide and joins the squad while the medical team assesses the fast bowling group following the second Test victory,” a release from Cricket Australia stated on Tuesday (December 21).

“Although ‘Ness’ (Neser) debuted last game, Jhye was in after a few years, Scotty’s debuting this game, we felt really confident with how much domestic cricket they’ve played and how they’ve performed that they could come in here and be Test-ready straightaway” Cummins further added. 

Australia’s Playing XI For Third Ashes Test

David Warner, Marcus Harris, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland