Travis Head misses Australia's training session ahead of Boxing Day Test

NEW DELHI: Travis Head was notably absent from Australia's practice session in Melbourne on Monday ahead of the Boxing Day Test against India in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, reported The Sydney Morning Herald.

Head, who has been particularly effective against India, was seen struggling between wickets while batting in the second innings of the third Test in Brisbane on Wednesday. He subsequently did not return to the field that day.



Regarding his condition, Head stated in the post-match presentation, "Just a little sore, but I should be fine (before the next game)."

A team representative informed that Monday's training was not mandatory, as reported by The Sydney Morning Herald. The crucial training session is scheduled for Tuesday, where Head must demonstrate his fitness, followed by an optional session on December 25.

Head has been particularly troublesome for India throughout the series from Perth to Brisbane. He leads the run-scoring charts with 409 runs at an average of 81.80, surpassing all players from both teams.

The Adelaide Test saw him score a decisive 140, leading to Australia's 10-wicket victory. His powerful 152-run innings at The Gabba placed Australia in a commanding position.

Steven Smith, fresh from breaking his Test century drought with 101 last week, engaged in an extensive practice session with head coach Andrew McDonald.



Marnus Labuschagne and Usman Khawaja practised extensively, following their disappointing performances in the three Tests. Labuschagne has scored only 82 runs at 16.4, with just one half-century.

Khawaja has struggled even more against India's pace attack, accumulating merely 63 runs at an average of 12.6.