Australia demonstrated the depth of their fast-paced bowling stocks by giving Scott Boland a debut in the Ashes Third Test against England, which kicks off at Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Sunday.

The 32-year-old, who plays his home cricket at MCG, will only become the first Australian native playtester since Jason Gillespie played his last match in 2006 when he received his baggy green cap on Sunday.

Boland joined the roster as Tempo bowling cover on Monday, with Josh Hazlewood sidelined by a sideline and Jhye Richardson and Michael Neser suffering from the aftermath of the Adelaide Second Test.

“Jhye and Nes were a bit sore after Adelaide, so we decided to go with Scotty,” said Captain Pat Cummins, who missed the second test after being classified as close contact on a Covid-19 case, but to Page returns the Boxing Day test.

“It’s a luxury to have someone like him, fresh and ready to go.”

Australia, which lead the five-game series 2-0, just need to avoid losing in Melbourne to ensure they keep the ashes.

Team: David Warner, Marcus Harris, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (gatekeeper), Pat Cummins (captain), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland