The fourth Border Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 Test between Australia and India is set to unfold on Thursday, December 26, at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Ahead of the upcoming Test, hosts Australia had an optional training session on Monday (December 23).
However, a key player of their side was missing from the net session on Monday ahead of the Boxing Day Test. As reported by the Sydney Morning Herald, the player who was absent from the net session is none other than Travis Head.
There have been talks about the hard-hitting batter being doubtful for the fourth BGT 2024-25 Test right after the conclusion of the third Test at The Gabba. Head was seen limping while batting in the second innings of the previous Test and did not come out to field later as well. The left-hander, however, had earlier stated that he was just a little sore and would be fine before the Melbourne Test.
According to the Syndey Morning Herald, a spokesperson from the Australian team said that the training session on Monday was optional. However, the hosts will have their main training session on Tuesday (December 24). The spokesperson stated that Head will have to prove his fitness in the main practise session ahead of the BGT 2024-25 fourth Test.
Therefore, it still remains to be seen whether Travis Head will be available for the upcoming Test or the hosts will have to make do without one of their best players in the series so far.
Travis Head’s exclusion could be a huge blow for Australia in the BGT 2024-25
While India won the opening Test of the BGT 2024-25 in Perth by 295 runs, Australia bounced back with a dominating 10-wicket win in Adelaide. The third Test in Brisbane was drawn and the series hangs in the balance (1-1) at the moment.
Australia, who are keen to regain the BGT as it has eluded them for quite some time now, will certainly not want Travis Head to miss out. Not only has he been their key performer but is also the highest run-getter in the series so far.
Head has already smashed 409 runs from three games and five innings at an average of 81.80 with a couple of hundreds and a half-century. He is in great form and has been a consistent performer throughout the series. The left-hander has proven to be tough nut for India to crack and should he miss out for the remainder of the series, or even just the Melbourne Test, it could come as a huge blow for the hosts.
Edited by Ankush Das