Australia have unveiled their playing XI  against India for the pivotal fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25, scheduled at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). The announcement brought clarity on key fitness concerns, particularly around star batter Travis Head, whose inclusion significantly boosts Australia’s prospects in this must-win Boxing Day clash.

Travis Head declared fit for the Boxing day Test

Head, Australia’s most consistent batter in the series, has been cleared to play after overcoming a groin injury sustained during the third Test in Brisbane. The injury raised doubts about his availability, but Head completed an intense running fitness test and a net session on Christmas Day to prove his readiness. Captain Pat Cummins, addressing the media, expressed confidence in Head’s fitness. Cummins added that while Head will be fully fit for batting, the team may manage his fielding workload if necessary.

“Trav (Head) is good to go, he’ll play. He just kicked off some final things today and yesterday. But no worries about injury with Trav. He’ll go into the game fully fit. I don’t think you’ll see too much management of him throughout the game. He just kind of plays as is. Maybe around fielding, if he’s a bit uncomfortable, we will (manage him), but he’s fully fit,” Cummins said.

Head’s form has been instrumental in Australia’s campaign, with remarkable centuries in Adelaide and Brisbane that anchored the team’s innings under pressure. His inclusion ensures solidity in the middle order, adding to the team’s confidence at a venue where they have historically faced challenges against India.

Mitchell Marsh retained despite criticism

Meanwhile underwhelming performances in the series, Mitchell Marsh has retained his spot in the XI. His selection over the uncapped Beau Webster highlights the team’s trust in the all-rounder’s experience and ability to deliver in crucial moments. Marsh’s presence also strengthens the team’s balance, providing an additional seam-bowling option to complement the pace attack.

In a bold move, Australia have handed 19-year-old Sam Konstas his debut. The teenager replaces Nathan McSweeney, who was dropped after a brief run of three Tests. Konstas, a promising talent, is set to become Australia’s youngest Test opener and the youngest debutant since Pat Cummins in 2011. Konstas’ inclusion underscores Australia’s commitment to nurturing young talent, and the cricketing world eagerly awaits his performance in one of the most prestigious fixtures of the series. The debutant’s temperament and technique will be tested against a formidable Indian bowling attack on a challenging MCG surface.

Also READ: AUS vs IND 2024, 4th Test: Melbourne Cricket Ground Pitch Report, Melbourne Test Stats and Records

Replacement of Josh Hazlewood

Scott Boland, who has a stellar record at the MCG, makes a comeback to the playing XI, replacing the injured Josh Hazlewood. Boland’s return provides a significant boost to Australia’s pace arsenal, especially at a venue renowned for rewarding fast bowlers with sharp bounce and carry. Boland’s ability to extract movement and maintain relentless accuracy could be a decisive factor in Australia’s quest for dominance. His home-ground advantage further enhances his impact, making him a key player in the team’s strategy.

Australia’s struggle against India at the MCG

Australia’s record against India at the MCG in the past decade has been far from encouraging. Since their last win in 2011, the Boxing Day Test in 2014 ended in a draw, and the hosts suffered defeats in 2018 and 2020. India’s ability to adapt to Australian conditions and their formidable bowling attack have played a crucial role in these results. Australia will aim to rewrite history with a rejuvenated squad and capitalize on the home advantage in this high-stakes encounter.

Australia’s playing XI for the fourth test against India

1. Sam Konstas
2. Usman Khawaja
3. Marnus Labuschagne
4. Steve Smith
5. Travis Head
6. Mitchell Marsh
7. Alex Carey (wk)
8. Pat Cummins (c)
9. Scott Boland
10. Mitchell Starc
11. Nathan Lyon

Also READ: AUS vs IND: Rohit Sharma reacts on Virat Kohli’s outside-off stump struggle in BGT 2024-25