AUS vs IND- Sam Konstas’ debut for Boxing Day Test confirmed, uncertainty looms over Travis Head’s inclusion (Image source: Getty images)
Hosts Australia and the visiting side India are well into the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT 2024-25), busy gearing up to clash with each other in the fourth Test of the series. The two sides will lock horns at the renowned Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on December 26.
Ahead of the fourth Test, it was confirmed by Head Coach Andrew McDonald that youngster Sam Konstas will be making his debut in the upcoming MCG Test. The 19-year-old will become the fourth youngest Australian to don the Baggy Green at 19 years and 85 days on “Boxing Day” against India.
Regarding the team lineup, McDonald confirmed that Konstas will be handed his Australia debut, but skipper Pat Cummins will make the remainder of the lineup announcement in the pre-game press conference.
“We said from the get go, when leading into the summer, that we wouldn’t shy away, and age was no barrier, and what he’s shown is an array of shots, the ability to put pressure back on to opponents and he gets his opportunity. We’re really excited for him,” McDonald was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.
Has he been officially ticked off? I’m not sure: Head Coach McDonald
Furthermore, with Konstas’ debut confirmed, there was still some uncertainty over the inclusion of ace batter, Travis Head in the lineup. It is worth noting that Head sustained a minor quad strain while batting in Australia’s second innings in Brisbane and did not field in Australia’s second innings with the ball. Talking about his fitness, Andrew McDonald revealed that the ace batter still has some things to work on.
“Has he got some things to work through? Yeah, he has. 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,” he further stated.
“I think he looked good with the bat in hand so obviously skills are in good order. Yeah, it’ll just be basically what risk is associated with that. He had a small strain to the quad,” McDonald concluded.