Melbourne, December 25, 2024 – Australia have unveiled its lineup for the highly anticipated fourth Test against India, with some exciting changes and confirmations. Captain Pat Cummins announced that Travis Head has been declared fit to play, while Melbourne hero Scott Boland returns to the side.
The Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) will also witness the debut of 19-year-old opener Sam Konstas, who replaces Nathan McSweeney. Boland fills in for the injured Josh Hazlewood, further solidifying Australia’s bowling attack.
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.
Head Clears Fitness Test
Travis Head, who suffered a quad strain during the Brisbane Test, underwent rigorous fitness assessments, including running drills and a short net session, before being cleared to play. Speaking to the press, Cummins confirmed, “Trav’s good to go. He’ll play. He has ticked all the boxes, and there are no injury concerns.”
Head’s inclusion is a significant boost for Australia, as he has been their standout batter in the series, amassing more than double the runs of any other teammate. Cummins praised Head’s form, stating, “He’s hitting the ball cleanly and putting immense pressure on the opposition. It’s fantastic to have him in the team.”
Sam Konstas Set for Historic Debut
Sam Konstas, the youngest Australian opener since Cummins himself debuted at 18 in 2011, is set to create history alongside veteran Usman Khawaja. The age gap between the two is the widest for any opening pair in Test cricket.
Reflecting on Konstas’ debut, Cummins shared, “There’s a level of naivety and excitement at this age. My advice to Sam is to play with the same enthusiasm as he does in the backyard. It’s a special moment.”
Boland Returns to the MCG
Scott Boland’s inclusion is another highlight, as the hometown hero returns to the ground where he made history during the 2021-22 Ashes with his iconic 6-7 spell. Coach Andrew McDonald humorously remarked, “If we didn’t pick Boland, I’d never be able to show my face in Melbourne again.”
Series Overview
With the series level at 1-1, the fourth Test in Melbourne is set to be a decider. The fifth and final Test will take place in Sydney from January 3-7.
Upcoming Matches:
• Fourth Test: December 26-30, MCG, Melbourne
• Fifth Test: January 3-7, SCG, Sydney
Both teams have made strategic changes as they aim to take the lead in this gripping series. Australia looks to capitalize on their lineup, while India, led by Rohit Sharma, will rely on their dynamic squad to challenge the hosts.