McDonald confident of Head's availability for MCG Test

Australia head coach Andrew McDonald has expressed confidence in Travis Head's availability for the crucial fourth Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, with the series poised at 1-1. Head suffered a minor quad strain while batting in the second innings of the drawn match in Brisbane and was not on the field for India's brief second innings.

However, Head has since trained at the MCG and McDonald believes he will play. Known for his aggressive left-handed batting, Head has been a major threat to India, averaging 81.80 for his 409 runs in five innings.

McDonald stated, "Has he got some things to work through? Yeah, he has. So that's what you would have seen. There's no concern at the moment… I'm pretty confident he'll play… I thought he looked good with the bat in his hand… no concerns from my end… he's been able to do his running so I think he'll be functional come game time."

Additionally, McDonald confirmed the inclusion of young Sam Konstas in Australia's XI for the MCG game, taking the spot left vacant by Nathan McSweeney. Konstas has been praised for his composure, relaxed demeanor, and ability to put pressure on opponents.

McDonald mentioned, "We wanted clarity for our batting unit before the team meeting… He has been very similar to what I've seen on the outside within (the team) – composed, relaxed, knows his game… He gets his opportunity. We're really excited for him… Boxing Day is the biggest stage, you may as well get that one out of the way early."

Opener Usman Khawaja has struggled for runs, but McDonald trusts him to "return to the runs" over the course of the next two Tests. Despite not setting the world alight this series, Marnus Labuschagne is expected to display his intent and busyness at the crease on Boxing Day.