WI vs AUS 2025: 'Sam Konstas is clear on what he needs to work on' - Andrew McDonald defends misfiring opener despite struggles in Caribbean
Australian opener Sam Konstas scored just 50 runs across six innings in the Test series against the West Indies.
2 Min Read
Australia won all three Tests in the series against the West Indies, which concluded earlier this week. However, the performance of the Australian top-order left a lot to be desired. The 19-year-old Sam Konstas was given an opportunity to open the batting in place of Marnus Labuschagne, who performed the role without much success in the World Test Championship (WTC) final last month. However, the youngster could only manage 50 runs across the six innings at a paltry average of 8.33.
Australian head coach Andrew McDonald, however, came to the defence of the right-handed batter, noting that the conditions in the Caribbean were heavily in favour of the bowlers and batters didn't have much of a chance, especially against the pink Dukes ball in the third Test, which saw the West Indies being bowled out for the second-lowest total (27) in a Test innings.
"I don't think anyone's damaged by being exposed to Test cricket. It gives you a taste of what that level is like and he's clear on what he needs to work on," McDonald said while analysing Konstas' performance, who not just disappointed with the bat but also dropped catches and misfielded against Roston Chase and Co.
McDonald mentioned that Konstas' aggressive approach to batting in Test cricket is still in its developing stages and that the tough conditions didn't help his cause.
"When you've got up-and-down seaming wickets, it can force you into those corners a lot quicker than surfaces that are batter-friendly," McDonald stated.
Andrew McDonald on Marnus Labuschagne's potential return
Labuschagne had to watch all the three Test matches from the sidelines after going through a prolonged lean patch in red-ball cricket. However, McDonald said that he might not have to wait too long before returning to the playing XI. The former Australian all-rounder also mentioned that Labuschagne will not have to open the batting for Queensland in domestic cricket in order to be considered for a similar role in the national team.
He averages 46 in Test match cricket. We feel as though this wasn't going to be a huge gap before he does return because of the quality. Marnus has got great clarity leaving this tour, which is a success in itself. We look forward to what he does in the early Shield rounds," McDonald said.
McDonald also confirmed that Mitchell Starc will get a breather during the white-ball games against South Africa next month, much like Pat Cummins.
Get every cricket updates! Follow Us:
Download Our App