Australia Playing 11 For 3rd Test vs India: Josh Hazlewood Returns as Hosts Make One Change For Brisbane Contest

Australia Playing 11 for 3rd Test vs India: The home side has made one expected change to their line-up with fit-again pacer Josh Hazlewood coming into the side, replacing fellow quick Scott Boland for the Brisbane contest, scheduled to start on Saturday (December 14).

Hazlewood had missed the second Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Adelaide due to a side strain he picked up during the team's 295-run defeat in the series opener in Perth. Boland was the only change in Adelaide, where Australia levelled the series with a 10-wicket win.

Replacing Hazlewood, Boland had contributed to five wickets across the day-night Test in Adelaide. Now, the Victorian will make way for the returning Hazlewood, who has recovered from the side strain issue, as confirmed by Australian skipper Pat Cummins.

"Josh comes back in ... had no hiccups. Had a really good bowl yesterday, had another good bowl in Adelaide a few days previous. Him and the medical team are super confident," Cummins was quoted as saying on the eve of the Brisbane Test by cricket.com.au.

Hazlewood reportedly underwent a couple of fitness tests during the week and then hit top speed on Thursday (December 12) afternoon alongside Mitchell Starc at a training session away from the main group at Allan Border Field.

Cummins also said that Boland was unlucky to miss out after a decent showing in Adelaide, but the skipper added there is a good chance the Victorian plays a part in the remaining two Tests in the series.

"It's tough, he was fantastic in Adelaide. He's unfortunately spent a fair bit of time on the bench over the past 18 months. And whenever he's played, he's been fantastic. A shame for Scotty, but still a fair bit to play out this series. I would be surprised if he doesn't get another crack at some point," Cummins added.

With the final three Tests, including the Brisbane clash followed by the Boxing Day and New Year's Test, to be played across a 25-day period, there is a chance Australia rest one of their quicks to manage workload. But for now, the big three - Cummins, Starc and Hazlewood reunite. Here is a look at Australia's XI for the Brisbane Test:

Australia Playing 11 for 3rd Test vs India

Usman Khawaja, Nathan McSweeney, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Mitch Marsh, Alex Carey (wicketkeeper) Pat Cummins (captain), Mitch Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood.