Travis Head has been given the green light to play despite a quad strain sustained on day five of the Gabba Test as Australia’s hopes of claiming the Border-Gavaskar Trophy go on the line in Melbourne.

TOPSHOT - Australian captain Pat Cummins bowls in the nets at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in Melbourne on December 24, 2024, ahead of the fourth cricket Test match between Australia and India starting December 26. (Photo by William WEST / AFP) / --IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE--

Australia heaved a major sigh of relief on Wednesday after skipper Pat Cummins declared run-machine Travis Head fit for the Boxing Day test against India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Sam Konstas will open the batting for Australia in the fourth Test against India, coach Andrew McDonald said Tuesday, while voicing confidence leading batsman Travis Head will be fit to play.

Australia captain Pat Cummins knows the pressures of a high-profile Test debut and has advice for young Sam Konstas: "Have fun and don't overthink it." Konstas, 19, is set to make his debut against India in the Boxing Day Test starting Thursday.

Australia's lineup for the Boxing Day Test against India sees 19-year-old Sam Konstas debuting for Nathan McSweeney. Cummins advised him to keep things light and enjoy the game, recalling his own debut challenges and excitement.

Sam Konstas has received an early Christmas present – a Boxing Day debut to become the 468th Australian Men's Test player and the youngest since captain Pat Cummins at 18. Coach Andrew McDonald has put full confidence in the 19-year-old,

Australia coach Andrew McDonald has revealed the specific reasons why teenager Sam Konstas will make his Test debut on Boxing Day against India.