IND vs AUS: Sam Konstas, who was recently picked by Australian selectors for the Boxing Day test, is all set to become the fourth youngest player in the history of Australian cricket to make his test debut.
Travis Head, Australia’s most crucial player and also the highest run-getter in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy, has single-handedly manhandled the Indian bowling attack. Currently, Head is battling a quad strain and will be under the radar for his fitness; however, the coach remains confident over his availability for the MCG test.
With Sam Konstas making his debut at age 19 years and 85 days, only the likes of current skipper Pat Cummins, former cricketers Ian Craig, and Tom Garrett have made their debuts at an age younger than that of Konstas.
Ever since Travis Head was last seen at the Gabba, he suffered a strain for which he was immediately taken off the field and given medical attention, as the Aussies are well aware of his value, especially when playing against India.
“Has he got some things to work through? Yeah, he has,” McDonald said. “So that’s what you would have seen. There’s no concern at the moment. Has he been officially ticked off? I’m not sure. I didn’t see the sort of back-end of his training session there, but I’m pretty confident he’ll play.
“I think he looked good with the bat in hand, so obviously, his skills are in good order. Yeah, it’ll just be basically what risk is associated with that. He had a small strain on the quad.
“But no concerns from my end. He’s been able to be running, yeah, so I think he’ll be fully functional come game time.”
Alongside the doubt raised over Travis Head, head coach McDonald confirmed that there will be two changes made in the Aussie playing 11, which will include McSweeney replaced by Konstas and Hazlewood replaced by Boland.
However, there also remains another chance of replacement as Mitchell Marsh is ruled out due to injury or owing to loss of form; Beau Webster might be considered for the role of the all-rounder.
