IND vs AUS: Will Team India's Chief Tormentor Travis Head Miss Boxing Day Test Due to Injury?

Indian cricket fans celebrated as the Brisbane Test ended in a draw and reports of the team's chief tormentor Travis Head possibly missing the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne emerged after the third Test of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy on Wednesday (December 18).

Head, who scored 152 in the first innings, did not take the field at the start of India's innings on day 5, but had walked out to bat at number five in Australia's second innings, scoring 17 off 19 balls before edging one to wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant off Mohammed Siraj.

Moments after the rain-hit Test was declared a draw, reports emerged that Head is uncertain for the next Test due to injury. During his brief stay at the crease on Wednesday (December 18), Head was seen limping between the wickets and looked gingerly when stretching out his left leg at the non-striker's end, prompting speculation of an injury.

Will Travis Head miss the Boxing Day Test against India?

As it stands, there is nothing concrete on the matter, but there was speculation after Head did not take field for the 2.1 overs of India's second innings. Australia will hope it's just a minor niggle and the batter will be available for the remainder of the series.

According to CricBuzz, Head's participation in the MCG Test was in doubt after the batter picked up a groin injury during the Brisbane Test, where he scored a second successive hundred in the series.

However, the joy was short-lived as cricket.com.au had it confirmed from Australian team's spokesperson that "it is not a groin injury". The player himself later said he should be okay for the next Test.

"Just a little sore but I should be fine (before the next game)," Head, who scored his said at the post-match presentation ceremony after he received the player of the match award.

On his century and run-scoring spree, Head added, "Feels like I batted quite a while ago to be honest. Happy to contribute, nice to get some runs and set us up in the first innings. Challenging wicket, worked through the gears well, pleased I was able to get through and set the team up.

"Was trying to sum up the conditions, feel like I've done that well in this series so far, very happy with the tempo I'm batting with."

On sharing a stand with Steve Smith, who also scored a century, Head said, "Pretty relaxed communication, feel like he (Smith) was in great rhythm, gives me great confidence when batting with him, was a nice partnership, really enjoyed it. When I first get out there, I try and navigate different challenges, solve different problems."

The five-match series stands at 1-1 following the draw in Brisbane. The Boxing Day Test, scheduled for December 26 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), will be crucial for both India and Australia in their quest for a World Test Championship Final spot.