Hazlewood returns, Pakistan unchanged and bowl first

Australia vs Pakistan, third Test, day one

Sydney Cricket Ground, January 5

Josh Hazlewood returned to the Australian team for the third Test against Pakistan in Sydney on Thursday, replacing Michael Neser in the only change to the side that won the second Test in Adelaide.

Pakistan, meanwhile, have made no changes to their team, opting to stick with the same XI that drew the second Test.

Australia captain Pat Cummins won the toss and elected to bat, saying he was happy to give his batters a chance to score runs on a pitch that is expected to offer some assistance to the bowlers.

Pakistan captain Babar Azam said he would have bowled first as well, and he will be hoping his bowlers can make early inroads into the Australian batting order.

The third Test is a crucial match for both sides. Australia need to win to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series, while Pakistan need to win to level the series at 1-1.

The match is also significant for Hazlewood, who is playing his first Test since November 2021. The fast bowler has been sidelined with a side strain, but he is now fully fit and ready to return to the Australian attack.

Hazlewood's return is a boost for Australia, who will be looking to him to provide some much-needed experience and leadership in the bowling attack.

The third Test is expected to be a close contest, with both sides evenly matched. The match is likely to be decided by which team can perform better in the key moments.