We still believe in aggressive approach despite Adelaide debacle: Australia head coach Andrew McDonald

Andrew McDonald of the Thunder looks on during the Big Bash League match between the Sydney Thunder and the Sydney Sixers at ANZ Stadium. (Photo by Brett Hemmings – CA/Cricket Australia/Getty Images)

Andrew McDonald isn’t too perturbed with Australia’s lopsided defeat in the second ODI against Pakistan in Adelaide. The Australian head coach asserted that his team will continue to play an aggressive brand of cricket in the series decider at the Optus Stadium in Perth on Sunday, November 10.

Pakistan capitulated with the bat in the first ODI in Melbourne but their bowlers made Australia work very hard to chase down a 204-run target. The Men in Yellow eventually reached home with two wickets and 99 balls to spare. However, the aggressive batting approach from the hosts didn’t pay dividends in the second ODI as they were blown away for 163 in just 35 overs. Haris Rauf starred with the ball for the tourists as he finished with figures of 5/29 from eight overs. Pakistan made light work of the run-chase as they won with nine wickets and 23.3 overs in the bank.

Australia will be missing the services of key players, including Pat Cummins, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Marnus Labuschagne, in the final ODI. These players are preparing for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, starting on November 22. However, McDonald said that in spite of having a depleted squad for the fixture, his team will be committed to playing high-intensity cricket.

“We go to Perth with a clear plan, a clear method. 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,” McDonald said, speaking to cricket.com.au.

Andrew McDonald backs openers Matthew Short and Jake Fraser-McGurk to come good

Australia have opened with Matthew Short and Jake Fraser-McGurk in the first two games. However, they have only aggregated partnerships of 19 and 21, respectively. While McDonald acknowledged the setbacks, he praised the duo’s cricketing acumen.

“It’s about finding that balance. 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 stated.

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McDonald also recalled Australia’s ODI World Cup success in India last year, noting that challenges come up when teams prepare for marquee events. He sees similarities between that phase and their current build-up to next year’s Champions Trophy in Pakistan.

“We didn’t have the smoothest prep before the World Cup but pulled it together in the end. This phase is about tuning things up, and Perth will be another chance to respond and sharpen our game,” McDonald concluded.