Travis Head cleared to play as Australia announce XI for Boxing Day Test

Travis Head returns fully fit for Australia's crucial Boxing Day Test against India Additionally, 19-year-old Sam Konstas is set to make history as the youngest opener at the MCG, debuting in this pivotal match.

Siva Charan
Siva Charan

4 mins read
Travis head while playing test
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Travis Head Returns and Boland Strengthens the Squad

Pat Cummins, the captain of Australia's cricket team, said that Travis Head can play in the important game on Boxing Day at the MCG against India, this was announced just before the game starts. Cummins also let everyone know that Scott Boland is coming back to the team, and a new player, Sam Konstas, is going to play his first game ever.

"Trav's good to go, he'll play, Cummins said. He worked on a few final details today and yesterday. There's no injury concern with Trav, he's all set for the game.

Last week in the Brisbane test, Head hurt his leg muscle a little when he was batting but he made it through a hard fitness test on Christmas Day. Now he can play in the fourth test of this series, which is all tied up at 1-1.

I don't think we'll have to manage him too much during the game. He plays his game as usual, Cummins added. If he feels uncomfortable while fielding, we might adjust, but he's fully fit."

Cummins praised Head's recent form, saying, "He's been in incredible shape for the last year, and it just keeps getting better. He hits the ball so cleanly and puts pressure back on the opposition right from the first ball."

Cummins was extremely happy to say that having Head in their team is amazing. He was totally, I'm glad I don't have to think through how to stop him with field settings, since he's hitting the ball in ways I haven't seen. I just really want this to continue happening!


A Historic Debut for Sam Konstas

At only 19, Konstas is becoming the youngest person ever to open a test match for the country at the MCG. He's getting this strikingly large chance because Nathan McSweeney felt unhappy with the team since he didn't obtain well in his last couple of tests.

He said Sam should simply enjoy himself and not stress much regarding playing, like when you are a child. He shared that when he was 18 and extremely excited, once the industry began, it truly seemed the same as any game. His advice to Sam was basically to remain placid and wholly enjoy the trade.


Building Momentum for the Boxing Day Test

Local favorite Boland is also coming back into the series after the second Test in Adelaide, taking the place of the injured Josh Hazlewood, who has a calf injury.

Boland did great in Adelaide, and Cummins was focused on praising him. He really knows how to bring his utmost quality approach every time he gets to play, and he's basically as good as the top bowlers we see globally. I'm counting on him to do something amazing again. There's something unique about him and the MCG  he's got more games there as an athlete than anyone else on our team. In addition his prep approach is strong, said Cummins.

Cummins added that it's great to have someone like Scotty ready to step in, even though it's unfortunate about Josh's injury.

 Australia XI :

Category Players
Batter Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head
Wicket Keeper Alex Carey (wk)
All-rounder Mitch Marsh,Pat Cummins(C)
Bowler  Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland

SEE ALSO: Two spinners on the cards? India set to make radical changes ahead of the MCG Test

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A cricket crazy fan and a dynamic, unbiased critic of the game. Looks at cricket putting on a different lens, changing the focus and questioning the ordinary viewpoint. Grew up watching the Aussies rule the game, and turned an ardent fan of the game seeing India lift the World Cup.
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