Scott Boland is set to be left out of Australia’s side for the series-deciding third Test against South Africa in Cape Town, with Nathan Lyon returning as one of three changes for the clash at Newlands.
7NEWS reported on Tuesday morning that it was understood Lyon would replace Boland, Cooper Connolly would come in for Beau Webster in the all-rounder’s spot and Cameron Green would return at No.5.
Matt Renshaw is set to move from the middle order to open alongside Travis Head, after Nic Maddinson and Sam Harper were sent home from the squad on Monday.
CODE Sports also reported Boland had been dropped and Lyon recalled, with Connolly in line to play just his second Test.
The team is expected to be confirmed at the toss at 7pm AEDT on Tuesday 27 October, with first ball at 7:30pm AEDT. The series is locked at 1-1.
Tough call on Boland
The omission would be a harsh blow for Boland, who took a five-wicket haul in Gqeberha. Lyon returns to the XI after being left out of the second Test.
7NEWS reported the tourists had decided against picking a fourth seamer in Webster, with the dry pitch and a sunny forecast for all five days. Instead, Connolly is set to be used as a part-time bowling option. He offers left-arm finger spin that turns away from right-handers, unlike Lyon and Renshaw.
Read more: Steve Smith Edges Closer for Third Test as Australia Eye Changes
Labuschagne holds his spot
Marnus Labuschagne is set to stay at No.3 despite going 47 consecutive Test innings without a century, according to 7NEWS. The report said Josh Inglis was the only option to replace him at first drop after Maddinson and Harper were released.
Green will play as a specialist batter and won’t bowl.
Steve Smith is set to play after a fitness test on his sore neck, with CODE Sports reporting he was cleared on match eve. 7NEWS reported he batted in a helmet on Monday for the first time since the second Test, although he finished the session with some frustration, kicking the crease and packing his bag.
Australia’s expected XI
Matt Renshaw, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Cameron Green, Alex Carey, Cooper Connolly, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins (c), Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood.
Read more: Cummins concedes Australia were ‘long way from our best’ in Gqeberha horror show
South Africa have already named their side, with Gerald Coetzee replacing the injured Anrich Nortje, cricket.com.au reported. The Test is broadcast in Australia on Kayo and Fox Cricket.
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