Australia Playing 11 for India 2nd Test at Adelaide Announced; Josh Hazlewood faces the wrath

The Australia national cricket team announced their playing XI for the second Test of the five-match series against the India national cricket team in Adelaide. Pace bowler Scott Boland has returned to the team, replacing injured bowler Josh Hazlewood for the upcoming Adelaide day-night Test.

Hazlewood was Australia's best bowler in the first Test against India in Perth, where Australia suffered a 295-run defeat. The right-arm pacer took four wickets on Day 1 as India was bowled out for just 150 runs. He conceded just 28 runs in his 21 overs in the second innings, where India scored 487/6.

Scott Boland to Return for Australia After 18-Month Hiatus

Scott Boland will play his first Test for the national team in nearly 18 months, with his last appearance being in last year's Ashes series. Meanwhile, Mitch Marsh has been retained in the team despite struggling with back stiffness, which prevented him from bowling fully during India's second innings in Perth.

Boland has played ten Tests, taking 35 wickets at an average of 20.34 and an economy rate of 2.79. He has taken five wickets in two Tests against India, with an average of 27.80 and an economy rate of 2.62. Boland also played for Australia A and the Prime Minister's XI ahead of the second Test match.

It's Pretty Awesome to Have Someone Like Scotty - Pat Cummins

Pat Cummins expressed confidence in Scott Boland's readiness for the second Test. He added that the conditions will suit Boland's style of bowling. He praised Boland for his consistency and ability to bowl long spells.

"Traditionally here, there's normally a little bit of nip, which obviously suits Scotty quite well. All last summer, he was geared up to go, but no one fell over, so it feels like it's been quite a while. He had a good little hit-out in Canberra a couple of days ago as well, so his prep has been really good."

"He's happy with how it's coming out and his rhythm. As a captain, it's pretty awesome to have someone like Scotty come straight in. He can bowl a huge amount of overs if needed, super consistent. He's performed at this level, so he looks ready to go," Cummins told reporters on Thursday.

Australia Playing XI for the 1st Test vs India:

Usman Khawaja, Nathan McSweeney, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Mitch Marsh, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland

India aims to maintain their momentum after a comeback victory in the first Test in Perth, securing a 1-0 lead in the five-match series against Australia. The hosts, on the other hand, will be hoping to bounce back and level the series. The second Test, a day-night pink ball game, begins on Friday, December 6.

ALso read: IPL 2025: Rajasthan Royals given belt treatment for Yuzvendra Chahal-Ravichandran Ashwin move