Massive boost for India: Travis Head to miss MCG test as Australia name two vice captains for the remaining tests?

India and Australia will face each other in the fourth test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on December 26. The series is at 1-1. Travis Head's injury can be a big blow for Australia.

It won't be a wrong statement to say that Travis Head has certainly become a big headache for Team India across formats. Whether it is the final of the WTC 2021-23 or the 2023 ODI World Cup final, Head was the man between India and the ICC titles. Then, he slammed two consecutive centuries in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy, winning two back-to-back Man of the Match awards.

His century in the second test helped Australia level the series, while his century in Brisbane put the hosts on the top. He is currently the most dangerous Australian player for Team India with the form he is in. But India might have a big boost as the 30-year-old might miss the fourth test.

India and Australia are all set to lock horns in the fourth test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, which will begin on December 26. Head sustained a groin injury during the third test. Though he confirmed before the Boxing Day Test, there are chances that he might miss the fourth test.

IND vs AUS: Australia announced Travis Head and Steve Smith as vice-captains for the remaining matches

On Friday, December 20, Australia announced their squads for the MCG test. It saw some new faces in the team. Poor Nathan McSweeney was dropped after his poor outings. The 19-year-old Sam Konstas got his maiden call, whereas Jhye Richardson joined the squad in place of injured Josh Hazlewood. All-rounder Beau Webster also made it to the 15-member squad.

However, what was most interesting was that Australia announced two vice-captains for the remaining matches, which has ignited the speculations over Travis Head's availability for the MCG test. Australia has given Head and Steve Smith the role of vice-captains in the squad. It can come as a big blow for the hosts if Head gets ruled out of the fourth test.

On the other hand, India will feel themselves lucky if Head misses out on the fourth test. Travis Head has been superb with the bat. He has scored 409 runs in three matches at an average of 81.80 and a strike rate of 94.24. His runs have come at a rapid pace, which has put more pressure on the Indian bowlers. If he misses out, Beau Webster might make his debut along with Konstas. Though Head's availability is still a question but Australia certainly have a big decision to make.

Australia Squad for 4th & 5th Test: Pat Cummins (c), Steve Smith (vc), Travis Head (vc), Sean Abbott, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Scott Boland, Alex Carey (wk), Josh Inglis, Sam Konstas, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Mitchell Starc, Jhye Richardson, Beau Webster

Also Read: What is Boxing Day Test? Check out India's overall record in Boxing Day Test Matches