In the lead-up to the Boxing Day Test, there has been plenty of noise outside the field. From Virat Kohli to Ravindra Jadeja, Indian players were targeted by a section of the Australian media, who are known for making it difficult for touring sides.

Batter Travis Head was declared fit for the Boxing Day Test against India on Wednesday in a big boost for Australia while Scott Boland was confirmed as the injured Josh Hazlewood's replacement.

With the five-match Test series between India and Australia currently tied at 1-1, the two teams are set to lock horns in the ‘Boxing Day Test’ a couple of days from now. Here’s everything you need to know about the special fixture that is an annual tradition in Australia.

Australian skipper Pat Cummins confirmed that the hard-hitting in-form Travis Head was good to go after sustaining a crampy groin following the Gabba Test. The series is squared 1-1 as both Australia and India aim to throw the first punches at the MCG after a draw at the Gabba.

Australia received a massive Travis Head boost on Christmas as they confirmed their playing XI for the Boxing Day Test. 19-year-old Sam Konstas will make his debut on Thursday.

Boxing Day, celebrated the day after Christmas, historically involved giving gifts to workers and the less fortunate in England. The tradition of a Boxing Day Test at the MCG began in 1950, becoming an integral part of Australia’s cricketing calendar.

Travis Head will play in the Boxing Day Test, proving his fitness in a Christmas morning fitness test at the MCG. | ESPN.com

Sam Konstas is set to make his Test debut in the India vs Australia Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), scheduled to get underway on December 26 (Thursday). Australian men’s cricket team head coach Andrew McDonald confirmed the 19-year-old opener will feature in the Australia’s 11 in the fourth IND vs AUS Test of the five-match Test series.