McDonald urges patience with Australia’s new top-order

McDonald urges patience with Australia's new top-order

Australia coach Andrew McDonald has called for patience as the Test team works through a top-order transition, backing young players to grow into their roles despite a mixed outing in the first Test against West Indies.

Young players need time to develop

McDonald believes that young players like Sam Konstas, Cameron Green, and Josh Inglis need time to grow into their roles, and that patience is required from all levels, including coaching and external support.

Konstas' learning curve

Konstas was dismissed cheaply in both innings, often appearing caught between attack and defence. McDonald sees this as part of the learning curve, and that Konstas is debriefing and having conversations around how to improve in similar situations.

Partnership with Khawaja

McDonald believes that Konstas' partnership with Usman Khawaja at the top of the order will mature over time, and that Australia's setup supports players learning to work with their flaws rather than chasing technical perfection.

Smith's likely return

Steve Smith is likely to return for the second Test in Grenada, which means one of the top four from Barbados will make way. McDonald wants to avoid too many moving parts, especially the opening combination, which means Konstas is set to get a long rope.

Green's development

Cameron Green, now being groomed as a long-term No.3, is also set to continue settling into the role. McDonald believes Green has the temperament and technique to bat anywhere in the order.

Head's role

Travis Head's role at No.5 is fixed for now, despite the absence of Smith and Marnus Labuschagne leaving a gap in the top order. McDonald wants to keep some parts of the order stable.