Australia's primary concern as they approach the fourth Test match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series revolves around the fitness of their batting star, Travis Head. During a brief net session at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Tuesday, which is set to host the upcoming Test against India, and following an extensive discussion with the team physiotherapist, significant apprehensions regarding his availability for the match emerged. Nevertheless, head coach Andrew McDonald swiftly dispelled these concerns shortly thereafter.

Head sustained a quad injury during the third Test in Brisbane, where he was observed limping between wickets while batting in Australia's second innings. Consequently, he did not participate in the field alongside his teammates that day.

Despite having assured his presence for the Boxing Day Test against India after receiving the Player of the Match accolade at the Gabba, Head was absent from the optional practice session on Monday at the MCG, which raised further worries, even though he had completed running drills and gym exercises. The situation intensified when the left-handed batsman spent less than thirty minutes at the nets on Tuesday, facing throw-downs from assistant coach Brad Hodge.

Following this, he engaged in a conversation with head physiotherapist Nick Jones before departing the practice area, which left observers anxious. Earlier, he had participated in a fielding session, albeit with limited running..

Will Travis Head play Boxing Day Test?

Following the conclusion of Australia's inaugural comprehensive training session at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, McDonald spoke to the media, confirming that Head will be available for the Boxing Day Test.

"I am quite confident that Travis Head will participate, although there are a few considerations to address. The discussion primarily revolved around his fielding position and his potential contributions in that role," he stated.

Head has emerged as Australia's standout player in the series thus far, amassing 409 runs across five innings at an impressive average of 81.80, including two centuries, one of which was instrumental in securing a victory in Adelaide.

With the series currently tied at 1-1, and Australia eager to reclaim the Border-Gavaskar Trophy for the first time in over a decade, Head's presence in the lineup is crucial. However, if Head is unable to play, Australia will need to depend on the uncapped Josh Inglis for the fourth Test.

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