NEWS
Follow UsSam Konstas is confirmed to make his debut against India in the fourth Test in Melbourne, but an injury cloud hangs over middle-order batter Travis Head, who is not a guaranteed starter as picked up a small strain on his quadriceps muscle while batting in Brisbane on the final day of the Test, head coach Andrew McDonald confirmed.
Head faced throw-downs from assistant coach Brad Hodge rather than his fellow fast bowlers at the nets at the MCG on December 24 (Tuesday). McDonald admits there are risks associated with playing Head in the all-important Boxing Day Test, starting December 26 (Thursday).
"I thought he looked good with the bat in his hands so obviously the skills are in good order," McDonald said.
"It will just be what risk is associated with that. But no concerns from my end, he's been able to do his running so I think he'll be functional come game time."
Australia have a couple of options up their sleeves should Head be ruled out. One of them is Josh Inglis, and the other being all-rounder Beau Webster - both uncapped in Tests. However, with Josh Hazlewood out, Scott Boland is set to fill his place at MCG.
"Traditionally, it's been bowl first, but with the heat around, it looks similar but probably a little bit better than what it has in previous years, so decisions for the captains to make at the toss," McDonald said while also confirming Boland's recall.
"I think this wicket might offer the batters a little bit more in terms of the surface as the game draws on.
"If we didn't pick Scotty here - and I know I'm not allowed to declare the team because that's Pat's job tomorrow - but I don't think I'm coming to the ground Boxing Day if Scotty's not in the eleven.
"We've got great depth in our bowling, and [all-rounder] Mitch Marsh is fully fit and able to bowl. But he [Boland] is ready to go and I think he'll play a role in this Test match with the ball more so than the previous ones."
19-year-old Konstas, who impressed in the A game against India, will become Australia's 468th Test player, as he replaces Nathan McSweeney, who faces the axe after three Tests.
While announcing Konstas' debut, McDonald observed that it was a break in protocol as it is usually skipper Pat Cummins who announces the XI on the eve of a Test or during the toss. But he had a reason for doing so. "We wanted clarity for our batting unit before the team meeting," McDonald told reporters today.
"It's something we don't usually do because haven't had too many moving parts, but we thought we'd get that out of the way so everyone knows that he's in the team.
"He [Konstas] has been very similar to what I've seen on the outside within [the team] – composed, relaxed, knows his game. 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. Boxing Day is the biggest stage, you may as well get that one out of the way early."
The five-match Test series is currently level at 1-1. India won the first Test in Perth by 295 runs before Australia bounced back in Adelaide to claim a 10-wicket victory. Rains halted Australia's charge to go 2-1 up in Brisbane. A win for either side would put them in good stead to make the World Test Championship (WTC) final at Lord's in 2025.
