Border-Gavaskar Trophy: Josh Hazlewood confirmed to return, Scott Boland set to lose spot for Third Test

Josh Hazlewood is a certain starter for the Brisbane Test, with Australian skipper Pat Cummins declaring his pace partner had experienced “no hiccups” in overcoming his side strain.

Hazlewood’s comeback will mean the unlucky Scott Boland will be squeezed out of the side in what is set to be the sole change for the home side.

“Josh comes back in... had no hiccups,” Cummins said on Friday.

“Had a really good bowl yesterday, had another good bowl in Adelaide a few days previous.

“Him and the medical team are super confident.”

Hazlewood had been tracking well for a return after bowling in Adelaide on Monday following the early finish to the Second Test.

Boland will again have to bide his time despite an impressive showing in Adelaide, where he took five wickets including the key scalps of Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.

“It’s tough, he was fantastic in Adelaide,” Cummins said.

“He’s unfortunately spent a fair bit of time on the bench over the past 18 months. And whenever he’s played, he’s been fantastic.

“A shame for Scotty, but still a fair bit to play out this series. I would be surprised if he doesn’t get another crack at some point.

“(We’ve told him) it’s just about preparing for the MCG because it is a good chance we might need you.

“History suggests there is always some form of natural attrition throughout a Test series.

“So the good thing, he’s probably played a Test earlier in the series than he thought coming into it. He’s shown that his standard is still super high.

“You know he is going to take wickets against those guys, so it’s about trying to set him up for the last two Test matches.”

India are facing their own fitness concern with a star paceman, as Jasprit Bumrah works to overcome a groin injury.

Australia are a $1.69 favourite with bookmakers entering the Gabba clash, with India $3.35 outsiders as they look to recover from their comprehensive 10-wicket defeat.

The Aussies haven’t lost a November or December Test in Brisbane since 1988.