A secret training session uncovered enough evidence for the Aussies to pull the trigger.
Victorian fast bowler Scott Boland has once again lost his place in the Australian Test team due to the availability of Josh Hazlewood.
Hazlewood — who with Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc has formed the most consistent fast-bowling trio in Australian cricket history — has overcome the side strain that ruled him out of the second Test against India in Adelaide.
And after passing an intense 45-minute fitness test in the scorching Brisbane heat on Thursday, Hazlewood has been whisked straight back into the side, despite Boland’s five wickets in the second Test.
Skipper Cummins confirmed the XI on Friday, saying it was a “shame” that the Victorian veteran had to be left out again.
“I’d be surprised if he doesn’t get another crack at some point,” Cummins added, with Tests in Melbourne and Sydney still left in the Australian summer.
Hazlewood trained away from the main group on Thursday but, crucially, was able to hit top speed and prove his mettle bowling in the nets alongside Starc under the watchful eye of bowling coach Dan Vettori.
Channel 7 cameras captured exclusive shots of the session.
Josh Hazelwood has completed a secret training session. Credit: 7NEWS
Australian XI: Usman Khawaja, Nathan McSweeney, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Mitch Marsh, Alex Carey (wk) Pat Cummins (c), Mitch Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood
Hazlewood’s workout came as allrounder Mitch Marsh said he would have no issue bowling at the Gabba come Day 1 on Saturday.
Marsh had been in doubt in the lead-up to Australia’s 10-wicket win over India in Adelaide, after pulling up sore from the 295-run loss in the first Test.
The reigning Allan Border medallist then didn’t bowl in the lead-up to Adelaide as Australia called in Beau Webster for cover, before being asked to get through four overs in the first innings.
But Marsh was back to a normal preparation on Thursday, bowling in the nets early in Australia’s training as he readies himself for the crucial third Test in Brisbane.
“I had a sore back, but right now it’s feeling as good as it has felt,” Marsh said.
“We had a really clear plan before the series started.
“I didn’t bowl as much as I would have liked to in the lead-up to the series, but our medical staff and Ronnie (coach Andrew McDonald) and Patty (Cummins) were really clear on my lead-up.
“I trusted that. I haven’t had to bowl too much so far, but my body is feeling really good.”
Aussie allrounder Mitch Marsh says he is ready to bowl in the third Test against India in Brisbane. Credit: AAP
Marsh said he did not believe he had any limits on his bowling going into day one in Brisbane on Saturday, and did not foresee issues in getting through the summer.
“I’ll try and be ready to bowl as much as Patty needs me. Our allrounders haven’t bowled a hell of a lot in Australia the last few years,” Marsh said.
“But I am really thankful for our medical staff, Ronnie and Patty, who have allowed me the space between that first and second Test to just get right for the game.
“I am really well placed. For me it is all about being able to contribute.
“Whether that is five overs and bowling the occasional good ball and getting a wicket or just bowling overs to give our boys a chop out, I love it.”
Meanwhile, Australia brought spinner Matt Kuhnemann into training on Thursday, allowing him to work under bowling coach Vettori ahead of this summer’s Sri Lanka tour.
