Australia‘s head coach, Andrew McDonald, believes that the Pat Cummins-led team will stick to its ultra-aggressive batting approach despite the heavy nine-wicket defeat to Pakistan in the second ODI.
With the series now heading for a decider in Perth, McDonald underscored that the team’s strategy will continue to focus on high-intensity play, even in the face of recent challenges and a weakened lineup.
For the final match, Australia will be without several key players, including Pat Cummins, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Marnus Labuschagne, who are preparing for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy starting November 22.
Still, McDonald expressed confidence in the current squad and highlighted the importance of maintaining consistency in their approach.
“We go to Perth with a clear plan, a clear method,” McDonald said, speaking to cricket.com.au.
“We’re committed to the style we want to play. The big thing about that is we’ve won 16 out of the last 19 games, even with changing personnel. We believe in the aggressive approach, and while we didn’t execute well in Adelaide, we aim to bounce back.”
Australia sticks to aggressive batting despite MCG setback
Australia’s new ODI opening duo, Matt Short and Jake Fraser-McGurk, has yet to make a significant impact at the top, but McDonald remains hopeful about their potential. Short’s performances in England earlier this year showed promise, and McDonald sees Fraser-McGurk’s development as a work in progress.
“It’s about finding that balance,” he added. “Matt showed he’s up to the task earlier, even if the results haven’t come this series. And Jake is on his journey; he’s good enough to play at this level, but setbacks are part of his growth.”
McDonald also highlighted Australia’s recent ODI World Cup success in India, pointing out that the challenges of preparing for a major tournament often help refine the team’s form. He sees similarities between that period and their current preparations for next year’s Champions Trophy.
“We didn’t have the smoothest preparation before the World Cup, but we pulled it together in the end. This phase is about fine-tuning, and Perth will provide another opportunity to respond and sharpen our game,” McDonald said.
With a demanding schedule ahead, including a home Test series against India and an overseas tour to Sri Lanka, Australia is keen to hit their stride while continuing to embrace their aggressive approach.
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