Scott Boland is set to make his Test debut as Australia confirm their playing XI for the third Test. The hosts decided not to risk Jhye Richardson who is nursing a minor injury.
Boland will join Faith Thomas, Jason Gillespie and Ash Gardner as the fourth cricketer of indigenous origin to play Test cricket. He made his ODI and T20I debuts in 2016.
In Sheffield Shield 2021/22, Boland took 15 wickets in two games. He has a terrific record at the MCG, claiming 96 wickets in 26 First-class matches.
'His pace stays up, he's always at you, bowls really well to left handers. Asks a lot of questions around that fourth stump, knee roll, a bit of nibble each way. He's just really well suited here,' said Pat Cummins when asked about Boland.
Meanwhile, Michael Neser made way for the returning Pat Cummins. Mitchell Starc is the only pacer to have played both games so far, and he will lead the pace attack with Cummins.
Australia squad for Boxing Day Test: David Warner, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Marcus Harris, Marnus Labuschagne, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland