Key batter declared fit as Australia announce playing 11 for BGT 2024-25 4th Test

Australia skipper Pat Cummins has confirmed Travis Head's availability for the upcoming Boxing Day Test against India. The hosts head into the fourth Border-Gavaskar series 2024-25 Test with two changes in their playing XI from Brisbane. Replacing Nathan McSweeney, youngster Sam Konstas will make his debut at the top of the order, while Scott Boland will come in for the injured Josh Hazlewood.

There were doubts over Travis Head's participation in the Boxing Day Test after he sustained a groin injury during the latter stages of the drawn Test in Brisbane. The left-handed batter did not take the field during the final innings and was absent from the net sessions too.

During the pre-match press conference on Tuesday, December 24, Australia head coach Andrew McDonald expressed optimism about Head being fit in time for the fourth Test. The batter had to undergo a fitness test before his name was confirmed in the playing XI.

"Trav's good to go, he'll play. He just ticked off some final things today and yesterday. But no worries about injury with Trav. He'll go into the game fully fit," Cummins told reporters on Wednesday, December 25 (via cricket.com.au).

"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," he added.

Australia's playing XI for Boxing Day Test against India

Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Mitch Marsh, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland

"He steps in and looks like he's one of the best bowlers in the world" - Australia captain Pat Cummins on Scott Boland

A series-ending injury to Josh Hazlewood meant that right-arm pacer Scott Boland will return to the playing XI. The veteran seamer played the pink-ball Test at the Adelaide Oval. He has extensive experience bowling at the MCG, having represented Victoria at the first-class level since the 2011-12 season.

"He bowled beautifully in Adelaide. Whenever he gets his chance, he steps in and looks like he's one of the best bowlers in the world. I expect him (to do) much the same. He loves bowling here, he's played probably more than anyone else here at the MCG in our team. He's prepared really well," Cummins added in the same press conference.

The fourth Test between India and Australia is scheduled to begin on Thursday, December 26, in Melbourne.