IND vs AUS: Travis Head Ruled Out Of 4th Test? Australia Star Races Against Time To Get Fit - Report

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Australian star batter Travis Head was absent from the team's practice session on Monday ahead of the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

The 30-year-old was spotted limping during his previous appearance against India at the Gabba and did not take the field on Day 5 of that match.

However, during the post-match presentation, he downplayed concerns, describing himself as "sore" is getting ready for the game starting on December 26.

Head has been a thorn in India's side during the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The left-handed batter has struck consecutive centuries in the series and is currently the leading run-scorer with 409 runs. However, his availability for the Boxing Day Test, set to start Thursday in Melbourne, remains uncertain as per reports.

As reported by the Sydney Morning Herald, Travis Head is recovering from a quad injury. The Australian newspaper cited a team spokesperson who clarified that the session was optional, with the hosts scheduled to train with their full squad on Tuesday. Head will need to demonstrate his fitness during that session.

The South Australian stalwart played a decisive knock of 140 in Adelaide, leading to Australia's 10-wicket win. At The Gabba, he delivered a match-turning performance with a blistering 152-run innings, putting Australia in a commanding position.

Prior to the upcoming Test, the Aussies made a squad adjustment, removing Nathan McSweeney and bringing in uncapped opener Sam Konstas, who is set to make his debut in the fourth Test. The squad will also see the likes of Jhye Richardson, Beau Webster and Sean Abbott in the upcoming matches.

The series is currently tied at 1-1 after the third Test ended in a draw. Both teams will now turn their attention to winning the fourth Test to secure a spot in next year's World Test Championship (WTC) final, which will be held in England.