Australia’s in-form batter, Travis Head, has raised concerns about his availability for the upcoming Boxing Day Test against India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Head missed an optional training session on Monday, December 23, 2024, fueling speculation about his fitness for the crucial match.
Earlier in the series, during the third Test in Brisbane, Travis Head appeared to struggle with a quad injury, limping between wickets and not fielding during India’s brief fourth innings. Despite these signs, he downplayed the soreness and assured that he would be fit for the Boxing Day Test.
However, his absence from the training session on Monday, coupled with a brief net session on Tuesday, December 24, where he faced throw-downs from assistant coach Brad Hodge for less than half an hour, has raised doubts about his readiness. Following the net session, Head engaged in a lengthy discussion with team physiotherapist Nick Jones, which added to the concerns.
In response to these developments, Australian head coach Andrew McDonald addressed the media, stating, “Pretty sure Travis Head will play but there are a few boxes to be ticked. The chat was mostly about his fielding position and what he can do there.”
Despite the uncertainty surrounding Travis Head’s fitness, Australia has confirmed that teenage opener Sam Konstas will make his Test debut in the Boxing Day Test, becoming the country’s fourth-youngest Test debutant at 19 years and 85 days old. Konstas’ inclusion is seen as a strategic move to bolster the batting lineup, especially if Head is unavailable.
As the Boxing Day Test approaches, the Australian team management will closely monitor Travis Head’s fitness, and a final decision on his participation is expected to be made shortly. The team remains hopeful that Head will recover in time to play, but contingency plans are in place should he be unable to take the field.