BGT: Confirmation of Konstas' Test Debut, Head's Fitness Uncertain for Boxing Day Showdown

Melbourne, Dec 24 (NationPress) Rising star Sam Konstas has been officially announced to debut in the Boxing Day Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, while prominent batsman Travis Head has yet to pass his fitness assessment for the pivotal match commencing on December 26 at Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Head coach Andrew McDonald has confirmed that Konstas will make his Test debut, making the 19-year-old the fourth youngest to don the Baggy Green, following in the footsteps of Ian Craig, current captain Pat Cummins, and Tom Garrett.

The remainder of the playing XI will be revealed on Christmas Day during Cummins' pre-match press conference.

Selector-on-duty Tony Dodemaide informed Konstas during a training session at the MCG on Tuesday morning that he would receive his cap in front of a full crowd on Thursday. Konstas will become the 468th Australian men's Test player on Boxing Day.

"We wanted to provide clarity for our batting unit before the team meeting. It's something we don't usually do since we haven't had many uncertainties, but we felt it important to communicate that he is in the team. He (Konstas) has been just as composed and relaxed as I have observed from the outside; he understands his game," McDonald stated to reporters after the training session.

"What he has displayed is a range of shots, the capacity to apply pressure on opponents, and now he gets his chance. We are genuinely thrilled for him. Boxing Day is the grandest stage; it’s better to get that out of the way early," he added.

However, Head's participation remains uncertain. McDonald confirmed that the batsman experienced a quad strain late in the third Test while batting, although he is expected to play in Melbourne.

Head, the series' leading run-scorer and Player of the Match in the last two Tests, only faced throw-downs from assistant coach Brad Hodge during practice at the MCG today.

"I believe he looked good with the bat, indicating that his skills are in good shape. The main concern will be the risks associated with his strain. He had a minor quad strain, but I have no worries. He has been running, so I expect him to be fully functional by game time," McDonald commented.

Scott Boland is likely to join the team as a substitute for pace bowler Josh Hazlewood, who suffered a calf strain at The Gabba.

"If we didn't choose Scotty here – and I know I'm not permitted to announce the team since that's Pat's responsibility tomorrow – I don't think I'd be going to the ground on Boxing Day without Scotty in the eleven," McDonald said.

"We have significant depth in our bowling, and Mitch Marsh is fully fit and capable of bowling. However, (Boland) is prepared to go, and I believe he'll play a significant role in this Test match with the ball, more so than in previous matches," the head coach remarked.

Both teams are vying for a place in the World Test Championship final, which is scheduled to take place at Lord's in June 2025.

Currently, Australia (58.89 PCT) and India (55.88) are trailing South Africa (63.33) at the top of the table, with the Proteas set to host Pakistan in their final two Tests of the cycle.