Australia Announces Squad for Crucial Third Test Against India, Hazlewood Returns

The Australian national cricket team has named a 12-man squad for the upcoming third Test against India at the Gabba in Brisbane, with pace bowler Josh Hazlewood making a comeback from injury. Hazlewood will replace Scott Boland, who performed impressively in the second Test, sparking debate over his exclusion from the playing XI.

Hazlewood, who has been nursing a side strain, will join a familiar face in the squad, including Usman Khawaja, Nathan McSweeney, and Pat Cummins, who will lead the team. The decision to omit Boland, who took five wickets in his first Test appearance in over a year, has raised eyebrows, but captain Cummins expressed confidence in Hazlewood's fitness and form. "Josh has passed all tests, and he had a good practice session," Cummins said.

Hazlewood's injury, a result of repetitive use, is not a typical side strain and caused him frustration over the past few years. The Australian team will continue to monitor the issue to prevent its recurrence, giving Boland, who is expected to play a significant role in the remaining matches of the series, confidence that he will get another chance to make an impact. However, with the series levelled at 1-1, Australia will look to take the lead with Hazlewood's inclusion.

Meanwhile, Shubman Gill, who made 91 on his Test debut at the Gabba in 2021, is confident of repeating his performance and has set his sights on posting a big total in the first innings. India's captain Rohit Sharma, however, avoided media conferences on Friday and did not train, leaving speculation about his team's preparation for the match.

The third Test between Australia and India at the Gabba will be crucial for both teams, with India looking to deny Australia a 2-1 lead and stay in contention for the ICC World Test Championship final. The match takes place on December 14, and fans will eagerly await the result, which will have significant implications for the series and world cricket.