Australia Reveals Playing XI For Adelaide Test With Mitchell Marsh Fit To Play

Australia has revealed its lineup for the second Test against India in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, scheduled to start on December 6 at the Adelaide Oval. Scott Boland replaces the injured Josh Hazlewood, while Mitchell Marsh is fit to bowl despite recent back issues.

Scott Boland returns to Test cricket after an 18-month break, last playing in the 2023 Ashes series. His selection follows Josh Hazlewood's hamstring injury during the Perth Test, which ruled him out.

• Usman Khawaja
• Nathan McSweeney
• Marnus Labuschagne
• Steve Smith
• Travis Head
• Mitchell Marsh
• Alex Carey (WK)
• Pat Cummins (C)
• Mitchell Starc
• Nathan Lyon
• Scott Boland

The Australian team blends experience and current form. Usman Khawaja and Nathan McSweeney will open, followed by a strong middle order of Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, and Travis Head. Mitchell Marsh strengthens the lineup at No. 6, with Alex Carey as wicketkeeper. The bowling unit includes Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, and Boland.

Captain Pat Cummins expressed confidence in Scott Boland's ability to perform under pressure. "It's pretty awesome for someone like Scotty to come straight in," he remarked.

Mitchell Marsh remains in the XI despite previous back stiffness that limited his bowling in Perth. Cummins confirmed Marsh is fully fit and will contribute with both bat and ball in this day-night match.

The Indian team has yet to announce its playing XI but enters the pink-ball Test buoyed by a commanding 295-run win in Perth. Jasprit Bumrah's exceptional bowling and strategic captaincy were key to dismantling Australia there. However, India remains cautious due to past struggles at Adelaide, notably their record-low score of 36 runs in the infamous 2020 Test.

The Adelaide Oval promises another exciting chapter in the India-Australia rivalry as both teams vie for dominance under lights.