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Hazlewood And Marsh Out, Surprise Pacer In; Australia's Strongest XI For 2nd Test vs India

Debashis Sarangi

Hazlewood is out, Marsh is doubtful for Adelaide Test [Source: @cricketcomau/X]Hazlewood is out, Marsh is doubtful for Adelaide Test [Source: @cricketcomau/X]

After incurring a humiliating 295-run defeat in the first Test in Perth, Australia are gearing up to face the in-form Indian team in the second match of the series at Adelaide Oval. However, ahead of the much-awaited clash, Australia have suffered a huge setback, with ace speedster Josh Hazlewood being ruled out of the match due to an injury. 

Cricket Australia revealed that the veteran pacer has sustained a low grade left side injury and might miss the remainder of the series. Experienced domestic pacer Brendan Doggett has been added to the team as Hazlewood's cover. 

Meanwhile, Australia's premier all-rounder Mitchell Marsh might also be sidelined from the Adelaide Test due to soreness. Marsh, who bowled 17 overs in Perth Test, pulled up sore following his hyperactive involvement in the high-voltage affair. 

Scott Boland To Replace Josh Hazlewood

In the absence of Josh Hazlewood, Scott Boland is expected to spearhead the Australian pace battery alongside Mitchell Starc and skipper Pat Cummins. In ten Test matches, Boland has scalped 35 wickets at a fantastic average of 20.3 and an impressive strike rate of 43.7. He was instrumental in Australia's remarkable victory over India in the WTC final last year and could play a crucial role with the pink ball, particularly under the lights. 

Meanwhile, Mitchell Marsh will likely be replaced by Beau Webster, who can be pivotal with bat and ball in the competition. In 93 First-Class matches, the seam bowling all-rounder has amassed 5297 runs at an average of 37.8, while scalping 148 wickets, including two five-wicket hauls. If Marsh doesn't recover from his injury, Webster will bat at number six and chip in with a few overs of medium pace. 

The rest of the Australian playing XI will likely consist of familiar faces, with Steve Smith, Travis Head, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc forming the core team. 

Australia's Strongest XI For 2nd Test vs India

Usman Khawaja, Nathan McSweeney, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey (WK), Pat Cummins (C), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland