Pat Cummins updates about Travis Head ahead of Boxing Day Test

Despite playing in their home conditions, Australia is facing significant turbulence in their Border Gavaskar Trophy campaign. With the series level at 1-1 after the conclusion of three Tests, Australia is grappling with not one but two injury concerns in their camp. Ahead of the series, the Aussies were tasked with finding a fitting replacement for David Warner in the opening spot. Subsequently, before the Adelaide Test, the need arose to find a pacer as Josh Hazlewood endured a side strain. Now, as the Melbourne Test approaches, Hazlewood has been ruled out of the remainder of the series, and their star performer, Travis Head, is experiencing discomfort.

Pat Cummins gives a crucial update about Travis Head ahead of the fourth BGT Test

Travis Head, who scored centuries in consecutive matches against India, didn’t appear at his best during the second innings at the Gabba. Adding to concerns about his fitness, Head didn’t take the field when India came to bat in the final innings of the third BGT fixture. Reports suggested that the middle-order batter had sustained a groin injury that restricted his participation in the concluding stages of the contest. Moreover, initial updates indicated that the injury could sideline him for up to two weeks.

However, speaking at the post-match presentation, Pat Cummins clarified the situation regarding Head’s condition. The Australian skipper acknowledged some discomfort but assured that Travis Head would be fit to play the Boxing Day Test, the fourth BGT match. Conversely, Cummins expressed greater concern over pacer Josh Hazlewood. While Australia might not miss Hazlewood as much due to the availability of Scott Boland, Hazlewood’s recurring side strains present a significant challenge for the team. Boland performed seamlessly in the pink-ball Test at Adelaide and is almost certain to lead the pace attack in the remaining two Tests of the Border Gavaskar Trophy.

"Trav, he'll be fine; it's a bit of a tight quad, but he'll be fine for Melbourne," captain Pat Cummins confirmed about Travis Head.

"It's really tough," Cummins said regarding Josh Hazlewood. "Unfortunately, he'll miss this series. I don't know exactly when he'll be ready to go again, but even in the little snippets we've seen this series, it shows how much we rate him and how much of an impact he can have," he added.

The Gabba Test ended in a draw as rain dominated the match. Now, India and Australia will head to Melbourne with the series level in the BGT. India has a fair chance to secure a 3-1 result down under and ensure a place in the WTC Final. However, if results don’t go in their favor, India can at best afford another draw in the five-match series to remain in contention for qualification alongside Australia and South Africa.