Australia’s Boxing Day Test XI vs India: Two Key Changes
Australia has announced their playing XI for the Boxing Day Test against India. It starts Thursday at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The hosts made two big changes to their lineup. They added Scott Boland and debutant Sam Konstas.
Scott Boland Replaces Injured Josh Hazlewood
Fast bowler Scott Boland replaces Josh Hazlewood, who is injured. Boland, a star in domestic cricket, is expected to boost Australia’s pace attack. It will be key against India’s strong batting lineup.
Teenage Sensation Sam Konstas to Make Test Debut
In a bold move, 19-year-old Sam Konstas replaces Nathan McSweeney as the opening batter. Konstas will be Australia’s youngest Test debutant since Cummins in 2011. The young opener’s choice adds pressure. All eyes will be on him at this milestone moment.
Travis Head Declared Fully Fit
In a positive development for Australia, Travis Head is fit. He is the series’ top run-scorer. He recovered from a minor thigh strain sustained at the Gabba. Head, who has amassed 409 runs at an impressive average of 81.80 in the first three Tests, will retain his place at No. 5.
“Trav is good to go, so he will play. He just ticked off some final things today and yesterday,” said Cummins. “No stress, no worries about injury for Trav, so he will go into the game fully fit.
“I don’t think you’ll see too much management of him through the game. Maybe around fielding if he’s a bit uncomfortable, but he’s fully fit,” he added.
Head’s Dominance Against India
Head has been the best performer for Australia. He scored centuries in Adelaide and Brisbane. Meanwhile, other batters have struggled against India’s Jasprit Bumrah.
“It feels like the last 12 months he’s been in this unbelievable vein of form and he just keeps going,” Cummins said of Head.
“He’s hitting the ball really 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.”
Series Locked at 1-1
The five-match series stands evenly poised at 1-1. India won by 295 runs in Perth. But, Australia then won by 10 wickets in Adelaide. The rain-affected third Test in Brisbane ended in a draw. This sets the stage for an intense battle in Melbourne.
Full Australia Playing XI for Boxing Day Test:
- Usman Khawaja
- Sam Konstas
- Marnus Labuschagne
- Steve Smith
- Travis Head
- Mitch Marsh
- Alex Carey (wk)
- Pat Cummins (c)
- Mitchell Starc
- Nathan Lyon
- Scott Boland
