Tim Paine in doubt for Boxing Day Test after family health emergency

AUSTRALIAN Test wicketkeeper Tim Paine has not travelled to Melbourne to join his teammates and he may miss the Boxing Day Test due to a family health emergency.

Tim Paine celebrates Australia regaining the Ashes.

AUSTRALIAN Test keeper Tim Paine has not travelled to Melbourne to join his teammates and he may miss the Boxing Day Test.

Paine’s father-in-law suffered a stroke and the Tasmanian has opted to stay in Hobart with his family rather than join his teammates who arrived in Melbourne on Friday.

A fill-in keeper has not been called up and Paine could yet take his place in the team, and fly in on Christmas Eve.

WHO’S NO.1? SHANE WARNE’S 10 BEST BATSMAN

SURE HANDS: TIM QUICKLY FORGOT PAIN OF DROPPED CATCH

TOP KNOCK: DAD’S MEMORY PROVES INSPIRATION FOR STOINIS

Tim Paine in action during the third Ashes Test in Perth.

A final decision on whether he plays is likely to me made on Saturday afternoon.

“Tim Paine has not travelled with the squad to Melbourne due to personal reasons. An update on his travel plans will be provided in due course,” a statement from the team read.

But should Paine opt to miss the match, Victorian Peter Handscomb, who was dropped for the third Test in Perth, could get a re-call to take the keeper’s place, behind the stumps or purely as a batsman.

Opener Cameron Bancroft, who has kept wicket for Western Australia this summer is another option to take the gloves.

Handscomb says he is ready to go, declaring today he had no issues with his batting technique which was heavily scrutinised during the opening two Tests.