December 25, 2024: Ahead of the much-anticipated Boxing Day Test in Melbourne, Australia’s captain Pat Cummins has confirmed that Travis Head is fit to play, easing any concerns following a minor quad strain sustained during the third Test at Brisbane. Head, who was in sublime form in the previous Test with a memorable 152, will be available for selection and has cleared all fitness checks, ensuring he will enter the match fully fit.
Cummins noted that while Head’s fitness will be monitored, especially during fielding, there are no major concerns about his readiness for the match. Head’s current form has been a significant asset for Australia, and Cummins praised the left-hander’s ability to put pressure on opposition bowlers right from the outset. “Trav’s been in unbelievable form over the last year, and I’m glad to have him in our team,” said Cummins, acknowledging the impact Head has had on games with his aggressive and consistent batting.
In addition to Head’s inclusion, the Australian squad will see Scott Boland take the place of the injured Josh Hazlewood. Boland, who has been a revelation in his limited appearances, was praised by Cummins for his exceptional performances, particularly in the Adelaide Test, where he claimed five wickets, including those of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Cummins highlighted that Boland’s impressive record—40 wickets in 11 Tests at an average of 20.42—makes him one of the best bowlers in the world, with the added advantage of his experience at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), where he has excelled in the past.
Alongside the experienced players, the Australian XI for the fourth Test will also feature rising star Sam Konstas, the uncapped U19 batter who has been in excellent form in domestic cricket. Konstas, who played a pivotal role in Australia’s ICC U19 World Cup win earlier in 2024, will open the batting with Usman Khawaja. His remarkable performances, including a match-winning 73* in a series against India A and an impressive 107 in a warm-up match against India, have earned him a spot in the playing eleven. In the ongoing Sheffield Shield season, Konstas has been one of the top run-scorers, amassing 471 runs at an average of 58.87, including two centuries.
The final lineup for the fourth Test in Melbourne will feature:
- Usman Khawaja
- Sam Konstas
- Marnus Labuschagne
- Steve Smith
- Travis Head
- Mitch Marsh
- Alex Carey (wk)
- Pat Cummins (c)
- Mitchell Starc
- Nathan Lyon
- Scott Boland
With both teams tied at 1-1 in the series, the fourth Test at the MCG will be crucial for both sides, as they look to gain an advantage and push for a place in the ICC World Test Championship final.
