The fourth Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 Test between Australia and India will be held on Thursday, December 26 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Ahead of the upcoming test, moderator Australia Optional training took place on Monday (December 23).

However, one of their team’s key players was absent from net training ahead of Monday’s Boxing Day Test. According to the “Sydney Morning Herald” report, the players who missed online classes were Travis Hyde.

After the third Test at the Gabba, there were rumors that the slugger might not be available for the fourth BGT 2024-25 Test. In the second innings of the last Test, Head was seen limping while batting and did not play later. However, the left-hander had earlier said that he was just a bit sore and would be fine ahead of the Melbourne Test.

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, an Australian team spokesman said Monday’s training session was optional. However, the home team will conduct its main training session on Tuesday (December 24). The spokesperson said Hyde will have to prove his fitness in the main practice ahead of the fourth Test at BGT 2024-25.

Therefore, it remains to be seen whether Travis Head will be available for the upcoming Test or the hosts will have to make do without one of their best players in the series so far.

Travis Head’s exclusion from 2024-25 BGT could be a huge blow to Australia

although India Australia bounced back with a commanding 10-run win in Adelaide after winning the first BGT Test of 2024-25 in Perth by 295 runs. The third Test match was drawn in Brisbane and the series is currently undecided (1-1).

Australia are eager to get back to BGT as they have missed out on it for a long time and they certainly don’t want Travis Head to miss out. Not only is he a key player for them, he is also the highest run-getter in the series so far.

Hyde scored hundreds of half-centuries in three matches and five innings, blasting 409 runs at an average of 81.80. He was in excellent form and performed consistently throughout the series. The left-hander is proving to be a tough nut to crack for the Indian team and if he misses the remainder of the series or even just the Melbourne Test, it could be a huge blow for the hosts.