Fri Dec 27 02:40:00 UTC 2024: ## Australia Announces Boxing Day Test Squad Against India; Boland Returns
**Melbourne, Australia** – Australia has announced its playing XI for the highly anticipated fourth Test against India, commencing on Boxing Day (December 26th) at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). The team sees the welcome return of Scott Boland, who will be a key threat to the Indian batting line-up. Travis Head has also passed a fitness test and will feature in the match. The squad also includes a debut for Sam Conners, replacing Nathan McSwiney.
Boland’s inclusion is particularly significant given his phenomenal performance at the MCG three years ago, where he took 6 wickets for just 7 runs in a single innings against England. The MCG boasts a rich history of fast bowling dominance, with Dennis Lillee holding the record for most Test wickets at the ground (82 wickets in 14 matches). Current Australian stars Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Nathan Lyon also have impressive records at the venue.
The Australian team will be relying on its formidable pace battery of Cummins, Starc, and the returning Boland to challenge India’s batting order. The Indian team will need to be wary of the pace and swing at the MCG.
**Australia’s Playing XI for the Fourth Test:** Usman Khawaja, Sam Conners, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland.
The current tour began on November 22nd and has so far seen a mixture of results including an Indian victory in Perth, an Australian win in Adelaide, and a drawn match in Brisbane. The remaining matches will be played in Melbourne and Sydney.
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