The inclusion of David Warner in the starting lineup for the fourth Ashes Test, which gets underway on July 19 in Manchester, raised doubts in the mind of Australia’s head coach, Andrew McDonald. As they are just one victory away from clinching the series, Pat Cummins and company will be seeking a victory in order to retain the famous urn.
Andrew McDonald claims that Mitchell Marsh’s 118-run innings at Headingley will cause Australia to reevaluate their squad. Marsh, who replaced Cameron Green in the just-completed Leeds Test, won a valiant century in his first Test in more than four years. Australia may take Marsh into consideration since Green is projected to be healthy for the fourth test.
McDonald said that Warner’s participation in the upcoming test would be reviewed. The 42-year-old continued by saying that following the defeat at Leeds, the coaching staff would assess the players in front of the fourth Test. Notably, after scoring four and one in the third Test, which dropped his series average to 23.5 with one half-century in the second Test at Lord’s, the status of the seasoned opener was questioned.
“We have to take into account everything, including Mitch Marsh’s entry, the balance, and our all-rounders. An evaluation of the players will be conducted. Given our lengthy hiatus, the majority of the bowlers ought to be in good physical shape. We have an additional batter who has put his hand up, so we will need to weigh our alternatives, McDonald was reported as saying by The West Australian.
Mitch Marsh has put a question to us, no doubt: Andrew McDonald
Notably, McDonald’s comments came after captain Pat Cummins said that Warner’s spot wasn’t assured. McDonald said that the opening partnership, which is crucial and hasn’t worked well so far in this series, must be taken into consideration. The former cricketer added that Marsh, who did well in the third Test, will be the ideal choice for the squad and that there are many decisions the group needs to make.
It’s important to consider the opening partnership’s performance over the course of the six innings, when three pairings scored 50 runs or more. In some aspects, this series has gone well so far, despite the fact that it didn’t perform to its level (at Headingley). We have a lot of things to think about and weigh. There is no doubt that Mitch Marsh asked us a question.
“He has presented a really excellent case for selection; it is rather compelling. In the middle order, he performed admirably. We have probably not yet discussed putting him up for an interview in English. But before the subsequent test, we do have some time,” McDonald said.
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