Khawaja returns as Cummins confirms Sydney bowling attack
Usman Khawaja’s selection is the only change, with Travis Head out of the match after testing positive for Covid-19.
On the bowling side, Scott Boland earns a second Test match after his Melbourne heroics, with Josh Hazlewood and Jhye Richardson both sidelined.
Hazlewood’s side strain will see him miss a third consecutive Test, with Richardson still shaking off a foot problem. Mitchell Swepson, who had been touted as a potential replacement as an extra spinner, was overlooked.
Khawaja last featured in international cricket over two years ago, as a member of both the 2019 Cricket World Cup squad in England, and the Ashes side that retained the urn on tour in the same year. Set to bat at No.5, Khawaja comes in for Head who tested positive on the morning of New Year’s Eve.
Boland turned heads on Test debut at his MCG home, taking 6/7 in just four overs to seal series victory. Boland claimed Player of the Match honours as the icing on the cake of his dream first outing.
Captain Cummins explains that Hazlewood and Richardson, who played in front of Boland, were given the chance to prove their fitness, as Australia strive to claim maximum World Test Championship points.
"We gave Josh every chance we could, just felt like he couldn't bowl at full tilt yesterday. We're still hoping he'll be right for Hobart.
"It's no secret that if Joshy Hazlewood was available then he was going to play.
"He's been just a brilliant bowler for us for a long period of time.”
Despite the absence of the pair, Cummins is confident Boland can continue to deliver with the ball.
"You need that disciplined stump-to-stump bowler and that's what Scotty brings to the table," Cummins said.
"It's a real luxury for us to have someone like Scotty … we feel really well placed at the moment with so many options.
"He's bowling as well as he ever has, it's great that he can keep going from last week."
Rain is forecast for the majority of the Test match at the SCG, which starts tomorrow.