Australia Announces Playing XI for Boxing Day Test Against India, Makes Two Major Changes

Australia has revealed their playing XI for the Boxing Day Test against India, set to begin on Thursday, making two significant changes. Scott Boland has been included in the lineup, replacing the injured Josh Hazlewood, while teenage opener Sam Konstas takes Nathan McSweeney’s spot.

Konstas is poised to become Australia’s youngest Test debutant since captain Pat Cummins debuted against South Africa in Johannesburg in 2011. Additionally, in a positive update for the team, Travis Head has been declared fit to play.

Australia has announced their playing XI for the Boxing Day Test against India, starting Thursday, with two significant changes to their side. Scott Boland replaces the injured Josh Hazlewood, while teenage opener Sam Konstas comes in for Nathan McSweeney. Konstas is set to become Australia’s youngest Test debutant since captain Pat Cummins debuted against South Africa in Johannesburg in 2011. In another positive development, Travis Head has been cleared fit to play.

“He’s striking the ball exceptionally well, and you can see the pressure he applies on the opposition, right from the very first ball he faces. I’m really glad he’s part of our team, and I hope it continues.”

The five-match series is currently tied at 1-1, with India winning by 295 runs in Perth, before Australia claimed a dominant 10-wicket victory in Adelaide. The rain-affected third Test in Brisbane ended in a draw.

Australia’s playing XI: Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Mitch Marsh, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins (capt), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland.