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The Ashes | 3rd Test: Scott Boland set to make Test debut for Australia

Somya Kapoor

Scott Boland is set to make his Test debut for Australia during the third clash of the Ashes series in Melbourne. 

Captain Pat Cummins who missed the pink-ball Test will also return to the side. Cummins had come in close contact with a Covid-19 positive person at a restaurant and needed to be isolated for seven days. 

The inclusion of Boland and return of the regular skipper Cummins will mean that Jhye Richardson and Michael Neser will miss out.

"We earmarked him as a chance for here and the SCG in particular, we think his record is really well suited," said Cummins on Saturday (December 25). "His record speaks for itself here in domestic cricket. Home ground, having someone fresh like him who can perform straightaway were the big factors. He's really excited obviously - it's a dream for him to wear the Baggy Green, packed MCG on Boxing Day, it doesn't get any better."

In 79 FC matches, Boland has bagged 272 wickets at an economy of 2.77 and an average of 26.03. 

The home side is presently leading the five-match series 2-0.

Australia XI: David Warner, Marcus Harris, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland 

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