Travis Head rubbishes injury rumours, named in Australia's playing XI for 4th Test against India

Australia confirmed Travis Head's availability and the debut of young Sam Konstas in their playing XI for the fourth Test match on Boxing Day against India. Following worries about his groin injury, Head was cleared to play, greatly increasing their chances of winning the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne. The top batsman, Travis Head, acknowledged that he had been cautious with his quad after suffering an injury during the third Test match in Brisbane.

After captain Pat Cummins confirmed his availability, he participated in a net session and ran a fitness test on Christmas Day. Although Australia will be eager to control Head while fielding, Cummins also stated that Head will be prepared to play at full capacity. During the press conference, Pat Cummins said, "Trav (Head) is good to go; he'll play. He just kicked off some final things today and yesterday. But no worries about injury with Trav. He'll go into the game fully fit." 

In the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Head has been Australia's leading batsman. His hundreds in the Adelaide and Brisbane Tests penalised Indian bowlers, depriving the visiting team of an advantage.

The Australian team management has once again trusted Mitchell Marsh, who was also confirmed in the starting lineup. Despite his dismal performances and injury rumours, Australia chose the senior all-rounder even though Beau Webster was in the squad.

As expected, Australia made two changes, including a forced one, to their XI, bringing back Scott Boland to replace injured Josh Hazlewood. 19-year-old Sam Konstas is set to become the youngest-ever Australian opener when he makes his debut on Thursday. Konstas will replace Nathan McSweeney, who was dropped after just three Tests. Konstas will become the youngest debutant for Australia in Tests since 18-year-old Pat Cummins in 2011.

Sam Konstas rising star in Australian cricket

Australia are hoping Konstas and senior player Usman Khawaja deliver a solid opening stand for them in the Boxing Day Test. Australia hopes to inject aggressive intent at the top of the order by including the teenager. Konstas enters the Border-Gavaskar Trophy with an impressive record across formats.

Sam Konstas also featured for the Prime Minister’s XI in a pink-ball warm-up match against India at Manuka Oval. He scored an outstanding 107 off 97 balls, including 14 fours and a six against a formidable Indian bowling attack featuring Mohammed Siraj and Ravindra Jadeja. This performance further solidified his reputation as a rising star in Australian cricket.

Australia Playing XI: Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Mitch Marsh, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland.