Scott Boland added to Australia squad for third Ashes Test

Australia have added fast-bowling cover to their squad for the third Ashes Test, with Scott Boland called up.

Boland had been training with the Australian team in Adelaide, being brought into the squad after Pat Cummins' close contact with a Covid-19 positive person. Australia were captained by Steven Smith during the second Test with Cummins forced to be ruled out. They also missed Josh Hazlewood, out with a side strain, as Jhye Richardson and Michael Neser got a go. Additionally, Mitchell Starc also appeared to twinge his back while batting in the second innings at Adelaide.

Australia won the Test by 275 runs to go 2-0 up in the series, and while both Cummins and Hazlewood were part of the squad for the third Test, Boland has been added "while the medical team assesses the fast bowling group".

Boland has been in good form for Victoria this year in the Sheffield Shield, picking up 15 wickets in two matches - both against New South Wales - at an average of just 10.80.

Boland also played for Australia A against the England Lions side this month, taking 1 for 16 and 1 for 64 in Brisbane, before joining the Australia squad in Adelaide.

The third Ashes Test will begin at the MCG in Melbourne on Boxing Day.

Australia squad for third Ashes Test: Pat Cummins (capt), Steve Smith (vice-capt), Scott Boland, Alex Carey (wk), Cameron Green, Marcus Harris, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser, Jhye Richardson, Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Swepson, David Warner.