Australia wicketkeeper Tim Paine may be a doubt for the Boxing Day Test against England.
Paine has not travelled to Melbourne with the rest of Steve Smith’s squad for personal reasons.
A Cricket Australia statement explained a further update on his plans will be issued in due course.
Tim Paine is set to arrive in Melbourne later than the rest of the Test squad. Our thoughts with him and his family #Ashes https://t.co/geQfIcWnBt
— cricket.com.au (@CricketAus) December 22, 2017
The 33-year-old was a surprise selection for this winter’s Ashes, ahead of Peter Nevill and Matt Wade, when he was recalled.
But he has been a success in front and behind the stumps as Australia have opened up an unassailable 3-0 lead to win back the urn before Christmas.
A CA statement read: “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.”
