Scott Boland has been flagged for a return on his home deck for Boxing Day.

Before Pat Cummins confirms Australia's side for the fourth Test on Christmas day, coach Andrew McDonald has given Boland the green light to replace Josh Hazlewood for the second time this series.

The Gulidjan star's return was all but guaranteed during the third Test after another injury ended Hazlewood's contributions after six overs - this time a calf, having already made way for the Gulidjan seamer in Adelaide with a side strain.

"If we didn't pick Scotty here (at the MCG), and I know I'm not allowed to declare the team because that's Pat's job tomorrow, but I don't think I'm coming to the ground on Boxing Day if Scotty's not in the XI," McDonald said on Christmas Eve.

It came after the men's Test coach confirmed Sam Konstas will become Australia's youngest debutant since Cummins in 2011 at the top of Australia's order, and put his faith in Travis Head passing for fitness despite an injury cloud hanging over the in-form no.5.

McDonald also said allrounder Mitch Marsh is placed to play a larger role with the ball.

40 degree-plus temperatures are forecast for Melbourne in 48hrs time, with McDonald also suggesting there might be more in the surface for batting first, compared to previous years.

"It looks pretty similar to the previous few years. It's going to be a big decision, though, come the day of the game, I think, I think traditionally, it's been bowl first, but with the heat around...it looks similar, but probably a little bit better than what I had some previous year. That's a decision for the captains to make, I think."

Boland quickly wrote himself into cricket folklore on debut during the 2021-22 Ashes on Boxing Day with 6/7 to help Australia claim the series in three Tests.

He took 3/83 in his second chance at the MCG against South Africa two years later.

On return to the side after 18 months at Adelaide, Boland produced figures of 5/105 before Hazlewood regained his spot.