Australia add Scott Boland to squad for third Ashes Test

Boland, who has been in good form for his state side Victoria with 15 wickets in two matches, provides additional cover while the Australian medical department assess the fitness of the rest of the squad's quicks ahead of the game at the MCG

Uncapped seamer Scott Boland has been added to the Australia squad for the third Ashes Test.

Boland, who has been in good form for his state side Victoria with 15 wickets in two matches, provides additional cover while the Australian medical department assess the fitness of the rest of the squad's quicks ahead of the game at the MCG.

Josh Hazlewood has been included in the 16-man group after missing the victory over England in the second Test at Adelaide with a side strain, but his involvement in the next fixture - which is due to get under way on Boxing Day - is not yet confirmed.

^{Scott Boland has been added to Australia's Test squad (Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)}

Captain Pat Cummins is also back in the squad after having to sit out the previous game, having been identified as a close contact of a positive Covid-19 case.

With Jhye Richardson and Michael Neser also in the mix for a starting spot following good performances at the Adelaide Oval, Australia's selectors are spoilt for choice as they look for the win which will retain the Ashes. 

Boland had been training with the Australian squad in Adelaide and now moves on to Melbourne with the party.

He featured for Australia A against England Lions in Brisbane earlier in December.

Australia squad: Pat Cummins, Steve Smith, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Marcus Harris, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser, Jhye Richardson, Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Swepson, David Warner

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