Australia wicketkeeper Tim Paine a doubt for fourth Ashes Test

Australia wicketkeeper Tim Paine is a doubt for the Boxing Day Test against England due to a family illness.

Paine has not linked up with the rest of the squad in Melbourne after his father-in-law suffered what is believed to have been a stroke. It is unclear whether he will be able to join his team-mates, although Australia are yet to summon a replacement.

A Cricket Australia statement read: “Tim Paine has not travelled with the squad due to personal reasons. An update on his plans will be provided in due course.”

If Paine misses the Test, Australia could choose to replace him from within the squad. Opening batsman Cameron Bancroft has taken the gloves for Western Australia this winter, while Peter Handscomb, who was dropped for the Perth Test, also has experience behind the stumps.

Paine was a surprise choice for the Ashes as he had not played a Test since October 2010 and injuries problems had left him considering retirement.

His glovework has been excellent throughout the series, however, and even though he is without a first-class hundred since 2006, he made a crucial half-century in Adelaide to give Australia the platform they needed to take a 2-0 lead.

If the Aussie selectors bring someone in from outside the squad, Matthew Wade, Alex Carey and Peter Nevill would be favourites to step up.