Australia captain Pat Cummins has confirmed that Travis Head will be available for the upcoming Boxing Day Test against India. The hosts have made two changes to their playing XI for the fourth Border-Gavaskar series 2024-25 Test from Brisbane.
Youngster Sam Konstas replaces Nathan McSweeney to make his debut at the top of the order, while Scott Boland comes in for the injured Josh Hazlewood. There were concerns over Head’s participation after he suffered a groin injury during the final stages of the drawn Brisbane Test. He didn’t field during the last innings and missed net sessions.
In a pre-match press conference on December 24, Australia head coach Andrew McDonald expressed optimism about Head being fit for the fourth Test. The batter underwent a fitness test before being confirmed in the playing XI.
“Trav’s good to go, he’ll play. He just ticked off some final things today and yesterday. But no worries about injury with Trav. He’ll go into the game fully fit,” Cummins told reporters on Wednesday, December 25 (via cricket.com.au).
“I don’t think you’ll see too much management of him throughout the game. He just kind of plays as is. Maybe around fielding, if he’s a bit uncomfortable, we will (manage him), but he’s fully fit,” he added.
Australia’s playing XI for Boxing Day Test against India
Mitch Marsh, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, m Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland
“He comes in and seems like one of the best bowlers in the world”- Australia captain Pat Cummins on Scott Boland
A series-ending injury to Josh Hazlewood has paved the way for right-arm pacer Scott Boland to return to the playing XI. Boland, who featured in the pink-ball Test at Adelaide Oval, brings extensive experience at the MCG, having played for Victoria at the first-class level since the 2011-12 season.
“He bowled beautifully in Adelaide. Whenever he gets his chance, he steps in and looks like he’s one of the best bowlers in the world. I expect him (to do) much the same. He loves bowling here, he’s played probably more than anyone else here at the MCG in our team. He’s prepared really well,” Cummins added in the same press conference.
The fourth Test between India and Australia is set to start on Thursday, December 26, in Melbourne.
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