AUS vs SA: Why is Scott Boland Not Playing in Australia vs South Africa 3rd Test? Check Playing XI

Australia and South Africa are currently locking horns in the three-match Test series. The hosts have already sealed the series by producing magnificent performances in the the first two game and they would be eyeing a whitewash. Although it’s a drab rubber but the game holds extreme importance in the context of World Test Championship.

AUS vs SA: Why is Scott Boland Not Playing in Australia vs South Africa 3rd Test?

The third and the final game of the series between Australia and India is taking place at Sydney Cricket Ground. Hosts skipper Pat Cummins won the toss and opted to bat first. Ahead of the game, they were jolted with few blows as Cameron Green and Mitchell Starc were ruled out of the game.

Australia made as many as three changes to their lineup for the third game. While Matt Renshaw and Josh Hazlewood replaced injured Green and Starc in the side, the third change surprised many. The hosts drafted in Ashton Agar in place of Scott Boland.

This change raised few eyebrows as Boland has been exceptional for Australia with the ball. In his short career of 6 wickets, the pacer has picked 28 wicket at an average of 12.21.

Skipper Pat Cummins at the toss said that looking at wicket, which might turn, they have included second spinner Ashton Agar in the side. He said that it’ll be an ideal preparation for the spinner for the upcoming  India tour.

“It looks like a traditional SCG wicket. It might turn a bit so probably at it’s best on day one. We’ve got three changes. Cam Green and Starcy injury. Scott Boland misses out on this one. Josh Hazlewood, Matt Renshaw and Ash Agar come in. Always difficult, especially having someone like Scott who has done fantastically well for us. We thought about [another seamer], it comes down to are we confident of taking 20 wickets with the four guys and in this case we are. This is as close as we’re going to get to India here in Australia so it would be good to see Ash have a go after a little while and Matty as well.” Pat Cummins said.

AUS vs SA: Australia playing XI for the third Test against South Africa

Here’s Australia playing XI for the third Test against South Africa.

David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Matt Renshaw, Alex Carey (wk), Ashton Agar, Pat Cummins (c), Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood