Travis Head on course to re-join Australia for fifth Ashes Test

The middle-order batter must pass three rapid antigen tests before being permitted to link up with the team in Hobart

Australia are preparing to welcome back Travis Head for the fifth Ashes Test against England in Hobart.

The 28-year-old, the hosts' leading run-scorer after the first three Tests, was forced to miss the Sydney match after testing positive for Covid-19.

Usman Khawaja replaced Head but his international return is expected to be short-lived.

Head's period in isolation ends on Thursday (January 6). Should he provide three negative rapid antigen tests he will be free to link up with the rest of the squad ahead of the final Test, which starts on January 14 at the Blundstone Arena.

Having already returned one negative, he will undergo a second on Thursday which could allow him to fly Sydney. A third negative will then release him to join up with the squad.

In three Tests in the series, Head has scored 248 runs at 62 including one of only two centuries.

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