Australia will be forced to make a couple of changes to their playing XI for the IND vs AUS Boxing Day Test in Melbourne. Head coach Andrew McDonald confirmed that young Sam Konstas would make his Test debut and will open the innings for the side along with Usman Khawaja. Meanwhile, Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out of the remainder of the series due to an injury. Jhye Richardson or Sean Abott are expected to replace him the playing XI.
Predicted Australia playing 11 for IND vs AUS Boxing Day Test
- Usman Khawaja
- Sam Konstas
- Marnus Labuschagne
- Steve Smith
- Travis Head / Beau Webster
- Mitchell Marsh
- Alex Carey
- Pat Cummins
- Mitchell Starc
- Nathan Lyon
- Sean Abott
Debut confirmed for Sam Konstas
Australia head coach confirmed that Sam Konstas would be making his debut in the Boxing Day Test. The opener was included in the side after Nathan McSweeney faced the axe. The Australian selectors decided to drop McSweeney after just three Tests as he struggled at the top-order, thanks to Jasprit Bumrah who managed to dismiss him on four occasions.
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No Travis Head in Melbourne?
Meanwhile, Travis Head is unlikely to take part in the 4th Test. The batter is yet to recieve a medical clearance after sustaining an quad injury during the IND vs AUS 3rd Test in Brisbane. He is Australia leading run-getter in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy, with two centuries to his name. An Australian side without Head will be a blessing for India. In case Head misses out, Beau Webster is his most likely replacement in the playing XI.
Sean Abott likely to replace Josh Hazlewood
Australia will enter the IND vs AUS Boxing Day Test without the services of Josh Hazlewood. The pacer has been ruled out for the remainder of the tournament after sustaining an injury. Sean Abott, who has been named as his replacement, is likely to sneak into the playing XI, ahead of Scot Boland and Jhye Richardson.
