The highly anticipated fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy between India and Australia is set to commence on December 26 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). With the series tied at 1-1, both teams are preparing to give their best in the pivotal Boxing Day Test. Here’s a detailed look at the latest updates on the Australian squad.
Australian coach Andrew McDonald has addressed fitness concerns surrounding explosive batter Travis Head, confirming that the left-hander is expected to be fully fit for the upcoming match. Head, who suffered a minor quad strain during the second innings of the third Test in Brisbane, skipped Monday’s practice but participated in light running and fielding drills on Tuesday.
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Speaking at a pre-match press conference, McDonald stated, “He has a small strain to the quad, but no concerns from my end. He has been running and looked good with the bat, so I think he will be fully functional come game time.”
Head has been a standout performer in the series, leading the run charts with 409 runs in five innings at an average of 81.80, including two centuries and a fifty. His dominance against India extends across formats, having scored 1,724 runs at an average of 46.59, highlighted by key centuries in the World Test Championship final and the ICC Cricket World Cup final.
In 13 Tests against India, Head has amassed 1,124 runs at an average of 51.09, with three centuries and a best score of 163. Since the WTC final last year, he has scored 897 runs in 12 innings against India at an average of 74.75, including four centuries and two fifties.
Australia head coach Andrew McDonald has confirmed that 19-year-old batting sensation Sam Konstas will make his Test debut at the MCG. The promising batter has impressed selectors with his performances at the U19 level and in domestic cricket.
McDonald praised Konstas for his fearless approach and ability to put pressure on the opposition, saying, “We said from the start of the summer that age is no barrier. What he’s shown is an array of shots and the ability to put pressure back on opponents. We’re really excited for him.”
Konstas was instrumental in Australia’s ICC U19 World Cup 2024 triumph, scoring 191 runs in seven innings, including a century. He further showcased his talent in a two-match series against India A, scoring a match-winning 73* and a classy 107 in a warm-up pink-ball game against India’s senior attack.
In the ongoing Sheffield Shield season, Konstas has been a standout performer, accumulating 471 runs in five matches at an impressive average of 58.87, with two centuries and a best score of 152.
Ahead of the fourth Test, Australia has made adjustments to their squad, addressing top-order concerns and injury issues. The additions include Sam Konstas, Beau Webster, and Jhye Richardson. These changes were prompted by Josh Hazlewood’s absence and the team’s desire to strengthen their batting lineup.
Also See: India tour of Australia Schedule | India Cricket Schedule | Australia Cricket Schedule
India Squad: Rohit Sharma (C), Jasprit Bumrah (VC), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant (wicket-keeper), Sarfaraz Khan, Dhruv Jurel (wicket-keeper), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, Prasidh Krishna, Harshit Rana, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar.
Australia Squad: Pat Cummins (C), Sean Abbott, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Travis Head (VC), Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Jhye Richardson, Steve Smith (VC), Mitchell Starc, Beau Webster.
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