Tim Paine could miss the Boxing Day Test due to a family emergency, according to a News Corp report.
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The Aussie wicket-keeper did not travel with his teammates to Melbourne. Instead he remained in Hobart after his father-in-law reportedly suffered a stroke.
Australia already looks certain to be without its key paceman, Mitchell Starc, for the Boxing Day Test as he battles to overcome a heel injury.
At this stage, the 33-year-old has not been ruled out of the Test. Should Paine be available to play, he'll join the squad in Melbourne on Christmas Eve.
A back-up keeper has not been named with both Cameron Bancroft or Peter Handscomb likely to take the gloves should Paine miss the fourth Ashes Test, starting on Boxing Day.