Sunday, 16 September 2018:

CHRIS GOULDING of Melbourne United (R) shoots during the NBL Grand Final series between Melbourne United and the Adelaide 36ers at Hisense Arena in Melbourne, Australia.

Top-scorer Jesse Wagstaff will make way for the return of Chris Goulding when Australia hosts Kazakhstan in Bendigo in their FIBA World Cup qualifier on Monday night.

Wagstaff led the Boomers' scoring in their 52-point win over Qatar last week but has been left out of the squad with Goulding returning from a one-game suspension.

The Melbourne United skipper was one of a trio of Australians suspended following the ugly brawl with the Philippines in late July.

"When we selected Jesse into the team for the Qatar game it was with the understanding that Chris would come in for him in the second game of the window", said Boomers head coach Andrej Lemanis.

"Jesse's attitude of coming into the side and being prepared to play for one game is really pleasing and reflective of the entire team's attitude - always proud to wear the green and gold.

"It's exciting to have Chris back in the group and I know he's happy to be back with the team as well."

After playing three consecutive games on the road, the Boomers are back on home soil for the first time since February.

A victory over Kazakhstan would all but secure their place at the next year's tournament with four qualifying games still remaining.

Currently sitting on top of Group F ahead of Iran, Philippines, Japan, Kazakhstan and Qatar, the Boomers only need to finish in the top three to qualify for the 2019 FIBA World Cup.

AAP