Travis Head Doubtful? Australia Names Two Vice-Captains in Final Border-Gavaskar Tests
Pat Cummins’ Australia is gearing up for the final two Tests of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India. The 15-man squad announcement has stirred some speculation. With Travis Head and Steve Smith as vice-captains, rumors of an injury to Head have surfaced.
The Boxing Day Test at the MCG will start the final leg of the series, which is tied at 1-1. Australia has made notable changes to its squad. Young batter Sam Konstas has received his first call-up. He replaces opener Nathan McSweeney, who was dropped after poor form.
Fast bowler Jhye Richardson returns after injuries. Sean Abbott is also included for the remaining Tests. However, a calf injury in the drawn Brisbane Test has ruled out Josh Hazlewood for the rest of the series.
Australia’s Squad for the Final Two Tests
- Pat Cummins (C)
- Travis Head (VC)
- Steve Smith (VC)
- Sean Abbott
- Scott Boland
- Alex Carey
- Josh Inglis
- Usman Khawaja
- Sam Konstas
- Marnus Labuschagne
- Nathan Lyon
- Mitchell Marsh
- Jhye Richardson
- Mitchell Starc
- Beau Webster
The dual vice-captain appointments and Head’s status will be key topics heading into the Melbourne Test.
A Thrilling Third Test Ends in a Draw
The third Test between India and Australia in Brisbane ended in a draw. Rain ruined the final day. Australia batted first and scored 445. Travis Head made 152 and Steve Smith scored 101. India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah delivered a stellar 6/76, keeping the visitors in the game.
India scored 260 in their first innings. KL Rahul made 84, Ravindra Jadeja 77, and debutant Akashdeep added some late runs. Australia then set a target of 275 for India in the fourth innings. However, persistent rain and poor light thwarted India’s chase, and the match ended in a stalemate.
Series Tied Heading into the Boxing Day Test
With the series tied 1-1, both teams will be eager to take the upper hand in the iconic Boxing Day Test at the MCG. India, led by Bumrah’s brilliance, and Australia, by Head and Smith’s form, are evenly matched. It’s a series-deciding final stretch.