IND vs AUS: Travis Head Injury Raises Concerns for Boxing Day Test
Australia is dealing with concerns about Travis Head's fitness just two days before the much-awaited Boxing Day Test against India. The left-handed batter known for his impressive performances in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy so far, couldn’t take part in full training on Tuesday, raising questions about his chances of playing in the important match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
Travis Head was already missing Monday's session with a tight quad an issue that had begun in the Brisbane Test. On Tuesday, his lack of time in the nets only added to the jitters. Head was treated to throw-downs for just 20 minutes before having a long chat with team physiotherapist Nick Jones. This and minimal running during a fielding drill had many concerned about whether he would be up for the Boxing Day Test.
Even with the concerns, Head seemed to reassure his fans and teammates with an upbeat report after speaking to coach Andrew McDonald and the physio. McDonald seems to ease the worries after stating that even though Head hasn't fully proven his fitness yet, he was "pretty sure" that the batter would be available for the crucial match.
Fitness Concerns Loom Ahead of the Boxing Day Test
"He's been doing everything he can to be ready, and while there are a few boxes to tick, we expect him to play," McDonald said after Australia's first full training session at the MCG. "The chat was mostly about his fielding position and what he can do there," McDonald suggested that Head’s fielding role might be adjusted slightly, depending on how well he recovers.
Travis Head has played outstanding cricket so far scoring 409 runs at a great average of 81.80 in the first three Tests. Two hundreds, including an Adelaide match-winner for Australia, have been big contributors to Australia's having the series locked at 1-1. Australia's aggressive batting has only made Travis Head a key target for India's Jasprit Bumrah in particular.
With the batting line-up already under pressure, Head's availability could prove to be a big role in the Boxing Day Test. If he is not fit to play, then the team might look for an uncapped wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis to replace him.
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