Australia wicketkeeper Paine a doubt for Boxing Day Test

Wicketkeeper Tim Paine stayed in Hobart to support his family while the Australia squad gathered ahead of the Boxing Day Test.

Tim Paine has held his own behind and in front of the stumps in the three Ashes Tests so far.

Tim Paine is a doubt for the fourth Ashes Test after the Australia wicketkeeper's father-in-law suffered a stroke.

Paine remained in Hobart to support his family while the rest of the squad met up in Melbourne ahead of the Boxing Day Test against England.

The 33-year-old has looked very much at home on his return to the Test stage after being given a shock recall for a series which Australia has already wrapped up with two Tests to spare.

Cricket Australia tweeted: "Tim Paine is set to arrive in Melbourne later than the rest of the Test squad. Our thoughts with him and his family."

Australia will monitor paceman Mitchell Starc, who could miss out at the MCG due to a bruised heel. Jackson Bird is on standby to come into the side if left-arm quick Starc fails to recover.