Warner is probably greatest all-format Aus player: Coach McDonald. David Warner’s Test career with Australia will come to a close with a fairytale conclusion at his home stadium in Sydney.
Former all-rounder Andrew McDonald, Australia’s head coach, has astonished the cricket world by naming David Warner the country’s most decorated all-rounder. Furthermore, he stated that finding a capable substitute in the purest version of the game known as Test cricket was impossible. Notably, his colossal statement came just days before Warner’s last Test against Pakistan in Sydney on January 3, 2024.
Furthermore, Andrew McDonald did not hesitate to declare that David Warner’s departure from red-ball cricket would be a significant loss for Australian cricket. He also praised him for repaying selectors’ faith with a spectacular century against Pakistan in the first Test. As a result, even when the explosive left-hander had a tough stretch in Test cricket in the past. He was always more than eager to pick the Southpaw in his side.
“He is probably our greatest ever three-format player. He’ll be a loss. Other people have been gunning for him for a period of time but for us. Internally, we’ve seen the great value and what he brings to the table, hence why we’ve kept picking him. He repaid that faith in the first Test match,” McDonald said.
“It can be hard to replace someone who is striking at 70, averaging 45 (and has made the) most ever runs as an Australian opener. ” said in a video shared by Cricket.com.au.
Also Visit: We will not remember our career for bilateral series, but for World Cups: KL Rahul
We will put deadline and that’ll be West Indies selection meeting: Head Coach McDonald
Meanwhile, speaking of the probable opening selection quandary that will arise once David Warner completes the Sydney Test. Australia’s head coach stated that he is not in a rush to name an able opener in the post-Warner era. Furthermore, Cricket Australia’s selection committee is scheduled to meet on Saturday afternoon in Melbourne to decide the country’s future Test opener. Notably, Andrew McDonald will meet the panel, which includes Chief Selector George Bailey and fellow selector Tony Dodemaide.
Similarly, in the ongoing Test series between Australia and Pakistan. The home team has already taken an unassailable lead with a commanding yet close win over the visitors in the ‘Boxing Day’ Test. Following that, the SCG (Sydney Cricket Ground) Test will begin on Wednesday, January 3. Australia’s playing XI for the final Test has already been revealed, and the team will remain intact.
As a result, Andrew McDonald has some breathing room to consider the squad lineup and replacement for David Warner for the upcoming two-Test series against the West Indies, which will be contested at home. According to the head coach, four individuals are vying for the prized spot: Cameron Bancroft, Marcus Harris, Cameron Green, and Matthew Renshaw, in that order.
McDonald hopes to have a stable national team for matches after the West Indies series.
Notably, Australia will compete against New Zealand and India later in the year. In terms of the general scenario. McDonald stated that the big discussion over who will be Australia’s next regular Test opener will be resolved quickly. He did, however, emphasize that he would leave all of his options open and would consult with everyone before making a final decision at the future meeting with the selectors.
“I believe we can begin… Definitely talking about it and imagining what it may look like. That is beyond a doubt. “It’ll all come together pretty quickly,” the 42-year-old added.
“There are several alternatives. Everyone is well aware of the alternatives. We’ll set a deadline, which will be the West Indies selection meeting. McDonald said, “All options will be considered.”