Australia’s explosive batsman Travis Head remains doubtful for the Boxing Day Test against India, but head coach Andrew McDonald is not giving up hope of having him in the XI.
As expected, Sam Konstas is set to make his debut for Australia in the fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, starting this Thursday in Melbourne. Confirming this just two days before the match, McDonald also acknowledged concerns about Head’s availability but remained optimistic.
“We’ve already informed him (Konstas) about his selection. He’s shown great discipline in his shot-making and the ability to put pressure on opponents. He’s earned his opportunity, and we’re genuinely excited for him,” McDonald told reporters after Tuesday’s practice session.
Konstas will replace Nathan McSweeney in the playing XI, who struggled to perform against India. The 19-year-old will become Australia’s fourth-youngest Test debutant at 19 years and 85 days, following Ian Craig, current skipper Pat Cummins, and Tom Garrett.
Another inevitable change is Scott Boland replacing the injured Josh Hazlewood. Boland’s inclusion in the XI was also confirmed by McDonald. Any further updates to the lineup will be announced by captain Pat Cummins during Wednesday’s press conference.
McSweeney, who was repeatedly troubled by India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, managed only 72 runs at a dismal average of 14.40 and a strike rate of 33.96 across six innings in the series. He fell to Bumrah four times in three Tests. Consequently, the selectors turned to the young and promising Konstas, hoping he could handle Bumrah’s challenges.
Meanwhile, Head remains a concern for Australia after sustaining a muscle strain during the second innings of the rain-affected Brisbane Test, where he scored a brilliant 152 runs in the first innings. He did not return to field in that match and has yet to fully recover.
On Tuesday, Head was seen doing light running, some fielding drills, and limited batting in the nets after skipping the optional training session the previous day. His fitness remains a topic of concern for the team management.
The five-Test series is currently tied 1-1, with everything to play for as the action moves to Melbourne.
