SYDNEY (Reuters) – Usman Khawaja will change Travis Head in Australia’s center order for this week’s fourth Ashes test in opposition to England in the one change to the facet that wrapped up the sequence in Melbourne final week, skipper Pat Cummins mentioned on Tuesday.
Khawaja’s return for his first test since 2019 was anticipated after Head was dominated out by a optimistic COVID-19 test however the retention of tempo bowler Scott Boland was one thing of a shock.
Boland was thought of a Melbourne specialist when he was handed his debut within the third test however the 32-year-old seized his alternative with each palms.
His six for seven within the second innings helped Australia to a thumping innings and 14-run victory and earned him the possibility to maintain his spot in favour of Josh Hazlewood, who remains to be affected by a facet pressure sustained within the first test.
“It’s no secret, if Joshy Hazlewood was out there, he was going to play, he is been an excellent bowler for us for a very long time,” Cummins informed reporters on the Sydney Cricket Ground, the place the match begins on Wednesday.
“It would have been an actual disgrace to see Scotty not play this week after his efforts final week. It’s unlucky for Joshy however I’m actually glad (Scott) will get one other crack out right here.”
Cummins mentioned Hazlewood would most likely be match to play within the fifth test in Hobart from Jan. 14-18.
There had been solutions in native media that leg spinner Mitchell Swepson is perhaps awarded his first test cap in a twin slow-bowling assault with Nathan Lyon.
Cummins, nevertheless, mentioned he didn’t count on the SCG wicket to deteriorate sufficiently to make {that a} viable technique.
“I do not suppose anyplace in Australia that I’ve performed within the final two years has dictated a two-spinner,” he added.
“He’s a category bowler and we’re itching to get him into the facet sooner or later. We suppose he’ll debut at some stage, almost certainly abroad.”
Australia lead the sequence 3-0 after wins in Brisbane, Adelaide and Melbourne.
Team: David Warner, Marcus Harris, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Usman Khawaja, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wicketkeeper), Pat Cummins (captain), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland.
(Reporting by Nick Mulvenney, modifying by Christian Radnedge)
