Allen Donald and David Warner. (Pic source: Ashley Allen/Getty Images and Mike Egerton/PA Images)
Australia’s head coach, Andrew McDonald, was sceptic about David Warner’s inclusion in the playing XI for the fourth Ashes Test, which begins on July 19 in Manchester. Pat Cummins and Co. will be looking for a win in order to retain the prestigious Urn, as they are just one win away from clinching the series.
Mitchell Marsh’s 118-run innings at Headingley, according to McDonald, will push Australia to reassess their team. Marsh, who took Cameron Green’s position in the recently concluded Leeds Test, earned a hard-fought ton in what was his first Test in over four years. Since Green is anticipated to be fit for the fourth Test, Australia might consider Marsh as an option.
When asked if Warner’s place in the next Test would be reassessed, McDonald responded it would. The 42-year-old added that after losing in Leeds, the management will perform an evaluation of the players ahead of the fourth Test. Notably, the veteran opener’s status was called into question after scores of four and one in the third Test reduced his series average to 23.5 with one half-century in the second Test at Lord’s.
“We’ve got everything to consider in terms of Mitch Marsh coming in, what the balance looks like, our allrounders. There will be an assessment of the players … We’ve got a big break so you would say that most of the bowlers should be fit. We’ve got an extra batter who’s put his hand up and we’ll have to consider the options,” McDonald was quoted as saying by The West Australian.
Mitch Marsh has put a question to us no doubt: McDonald
Notably, McDonald’s remarks came after skipper Pat Cummins commented that Warner’s berth was not guaranteed. McDonald also mentioned that they must think about the opening partnership, which is vital and it hasn’t functioned well so far in this series. The former cricketer also stated that the team has a lot to think about and that Marsh, who performed well in the third Test, will be a perfect selection.
“You’ve also got to reflect on what the opening partnership’s been able to do across the six innings, and there’s been three 50-plus partnerships in there. Albeit it didn’t function to its level (in Headingley), in some ways it’s done well so far in this series. We’ve got a lot to consider and a lot to weigh up. Mitch Marsh has put a question to us no doubt.
“He’s made a pretty good case (for selection), it’s pretty strong. He did pretty well down the middle-order. To put him up to open in English conditions would probably be something we haven’t discussed yet. But we do have some time between now and the next Test,” McDonald concluded.