Australia on Wednesday, unveiled its playing XI for the much-anticipated fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
Travis Head, who overcame a quad strain sustained during the previous Brisbane Test, has been declared fit and will retain his spot in the lineup.
Captain Pat Cummins confirmed two changes to the side during a press conference on the eve of the match, with 19-year-old Sam Konstas set to debut as an opener and Scott Boland returning to the bowling attack.
Head, who underwent rigorous fitness tests on Christmas Day, is ready to play, according to Cummins.
"Trav's good to go; he'll play," Australia's skipper said. "He just ticked off some final things today and yesterday. No worries about injury with Trav. He'll go into the game fully fit."
Cummins praised Head's remarkable form, stating: "I don't think you'll see too much management of him throughout the game. He just kind of plays as is. Maybe around fielding, if he's a bit uncomfortable, we will manage him, but he's fully fit.
"It feels like the last 12 months he's been in this unbelievable vein of form, and he just keeps going on with it," said Cummins. "He's hitting the ball really cleanly. You can see the pressure he shifts back onto the opposition literally from the first ball he faces.
"I'm loving that he's in our team, and I don't have to try to set a field and bowl to him. He's hitting the ball as well as I've ever seen anyone. Long may it continue."
Teen sensation Sam Konstas will become Australia's youngest Test opener at the MCG, replacing Nathan McSweeney, who was dropped after struggling in earlier matches.
Cummins encouraged the young talent to embrace the occasion and play fearlessly: "There's a level of naivety where you just want to go out and play like you do when you're a kid in the backyard. You just want to take the game on, have fun, and not overthink it.
"That's the message to Sam. That's definitely how I felt as an 18-year-old. I was just really excited, and once the game started, you go into game mode, and it's just like any other match."
Local favorite Scott Boland steps back into the side, replacing Josh Hazlewood, who is sidelined with a calf injury.
"He bowled beautifully in Adelaide," Cummins said. "Whenever he gets his chance, he steps in and looks like he's one of the best bowlers in the world. I expect much the same from him here. He loves bowling at the MCG and has probably played more matches here than anyone else in our team. He's prepared really well.
"It is pretty awesome that even with an unfortunate injury like Josh's, we have someone like Scotty to come straight in seamlessly."
Australia and India will head into the Boxing Day Test with the series level at 1-1 after the third Test at the Gabba in Brisbane ended in a draw.
Poor weather significantly affected the match, with just 24.1 overs bowled on the fifth day before the umpires called it off shortly after tea due to fading light and approaching rain.
The Boxing Day Test is set to begin on December 26 at the MCG.
Australia Playing XI: Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Mitch Marsh, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (C), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland