McDonald Calls for Patience as Australia Bloods New Top Order After Smith Injury OR Australia's McDonald Urges Patience with Fresh Top Order Amid Smith Absence OR Coach McDonald: Give Australia's New-Look Top Order Time to Settle

Andrew McDonald, the Australian coach, is advocating for patience as the national Test team navigates a period of transition within its top-order batting lineup. He expressed confidence in the younger players, anticipating their growth into their respective roles, despite their varied performances in the recent first Test against the West Indies.

Konstas's struggles highlight learning curve. © AFP

With Steve Smith absent from the Barbados Test due to injury, Australia presented a revamped top four, featuring Sam Konstas as opener, Cameron Green at No.3, and Josh Inglis at No.4. While these batsmen struggled to post substantial scores on a challenging pitch, McDonald noted positive signs, especially in their second innings approach.

"Starting a career takes time to adjust, requiring patience from all involved, including coaching staff," McDonald stated. "These players are embarking on a journey, and progress varies from individual to individual."

Konstas, in particular, faced difficulties, getting dismissed cheaply in both innings. He often seemed indecisive between attacking and defending. In the second innings, he absorbed 38 deliveries for just 5 runs, frequently advancing towards the faster bowlers before eventually edging a rising ball. McDonald views this experimentation as a crucial element of the learning process.

"He's reviewing his approach, and we've discussed alternative strategies for similar situations," McDonald explained. "Experience comes from learning from past events and finding solutions."

He further elaborated, "He seemed stuck at times, oscillating between over-aggression and underplaying. It's about finding that balance and tempo."

Konstas, at just 19 years old, partnered with Usman Khawaja at the top of the order. McDonald believes this partnership will develop over time, emphasizing that the Australian setup supports players in working with their flaws instead of pursuing unattainable technical perfection.

"He has an excellent partner at the other end, and with patience, their partnership will flourish," he said. "We encourage all players to learn to play with their deficiencies."

McDonald added, "I don't believe in a perfect technique. If that's the goal, it's misguided. He'll learn to succeed with what he has."

Smith is anticipated to return for the second Test in Grenada, necessitating a change in the top four from the Barbados match. McDonald emphasized the team's desire to minimize changes, particularly within the opening combination, suggesting Konstas will likely receive extended opportunities as Australia prepares for the upcoming Ashes series at home later in the year.

"We've been consistent in our aim to stabilize the order and provide consistency, especially in the opening partnership. Minimizing changes is ideal, especially with an injured player," McDonald stated.

Cameron Green, being developed as a long-term No.3, is also expected to continue settling into the role. With his bowling currently restricted due to a back injury, he is prioritizing his batting during this Caribbean tour.

"It feels like he's restarting his Test career after a long layoff," McDonald said. "He's focusing on finding his rhythm at the Test level."

"Thirty Test matches in, he has the temperament and technique to bat anywhere in the order... we see him as number three," McDonald added. "He's definitely capable."

Travis Head's role at No.5 remains unchanged for now, despite the absence of Smith and Marnus Labuschagne creating a void in the top order. McDonald explained that the team prefers to avoid excessive shuffling and maintain stability in certain parts of the order.

"We see him as a good fit at five, and we like him in that position," McDonald said. "Could he bat higher? He's done so in the subcontinent, so he's clearly capable."

"It's about balancing the top order. We see him as a five in these conditions and in Australian conditions, and in other conditions (subcontinent) we see him higher up the order."