“Just a little sore but I should be fine before next game,” Travis Head confirms participation for Boxing Day Test

Australia’s middle-order batter Travis Head has downplayed concerns over his groin injury, confirming that he expects to recover in time for the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).

Head, who sparked fears after being unable to field for more than 10 minutes on Day 5 of the third Test, clarified his status, saying: “Just a little sore but I should be fine (before the next game).”

Earlier, there were concerns about Head’s availability for the remainder of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after commentators Brett Lee and Brad Haddin speculated about the injury. However, the batter’s update comes as a relief for the Australian team, already reeling from the loss of Josh Hazlewood

Travis Head | Player of the Match: Feels like I batted quite a while ago to be honest. Happy to contribute, nice to get some runs and set us up in the first innings. Challenging wicket, worked through the gears well, pleased I was able to get through and set the team up. Was trying to sum up the conditions, feel like I’ve done that well in this series so far, very happy with the tempo I’m batting with. Pretty relaxed communication, feel like he (Smith) was in great rhythm, gives me great confidence when batting with him, was a nice partnership, really enjoyed it. When I first get out there, I try and navigate different challenges, solve different problems. Just a little sore but I should be fine (before the next game).

With Head’s confirmation, Australia will hope their star batter, who scored a century in the third Test, remains fit to feature in the much-anticipated Boxing Day Test in Melbourne.