Pat Cummins slits Scott Boland with Boxing-Day lollipop after Josh Hazlewood's comeback

Australia captain Pat Cummins has confirmed that Josh Hazlewood is fit for the third Test against India at Gabba, Brisbane. Cummins confirmed that Hazlewood didn't have any problems leading to the match which is a great sign for Australia.

Josh Hazlewood will replace Scott Boland, who played in Adelaide and produced an impressive performance with the ball. Cummins also heaped praises on Boland and hinted that he could make an appearance in any of the remaining Tests of the series.

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Pat Cummins confirms Josh Hazlewood's comeback in Brisbane

During a press conference on the eve of the third Test, Pat Cummins spoke to the reporters. The Australian skipper gave a status on Josh Hazlewood's fitness and claimed that he is fit to play in Brisbane.

“He (Josh Hazlewood) had a really good bowl yesterday, had another bowl in Adelaide a couple of days previously. Him and the medical team are super confident,” Cummins said to the reporters.

Josh Hazlewood suffered a side strain during the first Test of the ongoing series in Perth. As a result, he was ruled out of the second match in Adelaide. Scott Boland replaced him and produced an excellent performance with the ball.

Boland picked up five wickets in the match which involved the big wickets of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Yashasvi Jaiswal. He constantly troubled India with his nagging lines and turned out to be a huge threat with the pink ball.

Will Scott Boland play any further part in the series?

While Boland is set to be dropped for the Gabba Test, Pat Cummins also hinted that the 35-year-old might play in any of the remaining Tests of the series. He also lauded Boland for producing impressive performances whenever he gets a chance to play.

“It’s tough. He (Scott Boland) was fantastic in Adelaide. He’s unfortunately spent quite a bit of time on the bench over the last 18 months. And whenever he plays, he’s fantastic. Shame for Scotty," Cummins stated.

The Australian captain further suggested that Boland might play in the fourth Test in Melbourne, which will be a Boxing Day Test. He praised Boland for his skills and the high standards that he has set.

“But there’s still a fair bit to play out in this series, so I’d be surprised if he doesn’t get another crack at some point. He’s amazing every time he plays, we absolutely love him around the group. It’s just about (him) preparing for MCG, because there’s a good chance we might need (him)," Cummins said.

"History suggests there’s always some form of natural attrition throughout the Test series. He showed that his standard’s still super high and he knows he takes wickets against these guys, so it’s just about trying to set him up for those last two Test matches," the fast bowler added.

Pat Cummins gives a strong statement

Pat Cummins himself made a superb comeback in Adelaide after having a forgettable Test in Perth. He picked up a superb five-wicket haul in the second innings where he troubled India with his bouncers.

During the press conference, he hinted at using the same strategy again in Brisbane. Meanwhile, Australia made a strong comeback in Adelaide after losing the first Test convincingly in Perth.

The series is now level 1-1 with three more Tests to be played. India vs Australia third Test will be played from December 14. The final two Tests will be played in Melbourne and Sydney respectively.