Australia has announced their playing XI for the fourth Test on Christmas Day, confirming the inclusion of Travis Head, who has overcome concerns about his groin injury, and the debut of teenage sensation Sam Konstas. With these key updates, the team is set for an exciting Boxing Day Test in Melbourne.
Travis Head Passes Fitness Test
Travis Head’s availability for the match was uncertain following a groin injury he sustained during the third Test at Brisbane. Head felt some soreness in his quad and had participated in a fitness test and a net session on Christmas Day. Upon completing the fitness test, Head was cleared for the Test. Captain Pat Cummins confirmed that Head will play the game, while they will keep a close eye on him in terms of his movements when fielding. Head has been magnificent with bat and has had some important innings for Australia, especially when he scores his hundreds, as recently as the first Test at Adelaide and Brisbane.
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Mitchell Marsh Included In Playing XI
Despite the recent struggles and questions about his fitness, Mitchell Marsh was also included in the playing XI. The Australian team management has shown faith in the senior all-rounder, even though there were talks about the potential inclusion of Beau Webster.
Australia’s 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
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Two Changes In Australia’s Squad
For the same test, Australia has made changes to their lineup. It saw the returning of Scott Boland to replace injured Josh Hazlewood and for the first time, in Test cricket, 19-year-old Sam Konstas will open the bowling. His inclusion comes on the back of Nathan McSweeney, who is out after his poor outings in the first three tests.
Sam Konstas: The Rising Star To Make Debut
Sam Konstas all set to make his debut as the youngest Australian opener to have ever played Test Cricket. He is the first teenager to debut in the format since Pat Cummins in 2011. Konstas has impressed with his performances in recent times across formats and made a name for himself in the Big Bash League with the Sydney Thunder. In December 2024, he smashed a rapid 57 off just 26 balls, marking the fastest half-century in the team’s history. He has done well in the Big Bash League, and his outstanding knock of 107 off 97 balls for the Prime Minister’s XI against India has established him as a promising talent.
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Australia will be hoping that the bright partnership between Konstas and Khawaja delivers a solid foundation as Australia takes on India in the Boxing Day Test.
