McDonald Optimistic About Head's Fitness for MCG Test
Australia's head coach, Andrew McDonald, has allayed concerns about Travis Head's availability for the upcoming fourth Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), with the series poised at 1-1. Head suffered a minor quad strain during the second innings of the drawn Brisbane Test, causing him to miss India’s brief second innings. Despite the setback, Head has been actively training at the MCG ahead of the Boxing Day Test, and McDonald remains confident that the aggressive left-hander will be fit to play.
McDonald explained that while Head is managing the injury, there is no major concern. “Has he got some things to work through? Yeah, he has,” McDonald said. “But he’s been able to do his running, and I’m pretty confident he’ll play. He looked good with the bat in his hand, so the skills are in good order. It’ll be about managing the risk, but I think he’ll be functional come game time.”
Head has been in exceptional form, averaging 81.80 with 409 runs in five innings during the series, making him a key player for Australia. His absence would have been a blow, but McDonald’s confidence suggests Head will be ready for the challenge at the MCG.
In addition to Head’s potential return, McDonald confirmed the inclusion of young Sam Konstas in Australia's XI, replacing Nathan McSweeney. Konstas, brought into the squad to add a fresh dimension to the batting lineup, has impressed with his composure and ability to apply pressure on the opposition. “What we’ve seen from him is an array of shots and the ability to put pressure back on the opposition,” McDonald said. “We’re really excited for him to get his opportunity at the MCG.”
While Australia’s batting lineup has faced challenges, including opener Usman Khawaja’s ongoing struggle for runs, McDonald is not concerned about his form. "Good players always return to runs," McDonald said, expressing confidence that Khawaja will regain his rhythm in the coming matches. The coach also expressed hopes of seeing a more aggressive Marnus Labuschagne at the crease. Despite not having an outstanding series so far, McDonald believes that when Labuschagne is at his best, he can be “annoying” to bowlers.
With the MCG Test fast approaching, McDonald is optimistic that Australia will be well-prepared and looking to take control of the series, with key players like Head and Konstas set to play crucial roles.
