Travis Head, the series’ leading run-scorer with two centuries at Adelaide and Brisbane, is fit to play the fourth Test against India, despite a minor thigh strain sustained at the Gabba.
“Trav is good to go, so he will play. He just ticked off some final things today and yesterday,” skipper Pat Cummins confirmed. “No stress, no worries about injury for Trav, so he will go into the game fully fit.”
Cummins indicated that Head wouldn’t require any special management during the match, except for potential restrictions on fielding if discomfort arises.
Head’s impressive form, with 409 runs at an average of 81.80 in the first three Tests, has been instrumental in Australia’s strong performance, particularly against the formidable Indian pace attack led by Jasprit Bumrah.
“It feels like the last 12 months he’s been in this unbelievable vein of form and he just keeps going,” Cummins praised Head. “He’s hitting the ball cleanly and you can see the pressure he shifts back onto the opposition, literally from the first ball he walks out there. I’m loving that he is in our team. Long may it continue.”
The series is currently tied at 1-1, with India winning the Perth Test and Australia dominating in Adelaide. The Brisbane Test was drawn due to rain interruptions.
Cummins announced two changes to the team. As expected, seamer Scott Boland replaces the injured Josh Hazlewood, while teenage opener Sam Konstas makes his debut, taking the place of Nathan McSweeney.
Konstas, at 19 years old, will become Australia’s youngest Test debutant since Cummins himself in 2011.
