McDonald defends batters as Australia prepare for Durban opener
The coach says Australia's batters can adjust to longer innings, while an abdominal strain rules Cameron Green out of the first Test.
Coach Andrew McDonald says Australia's batting line-up is capable of compiling big scores on flatter pitches as the team prepares to begin a three-Test contest in South Africa. The series opens in Durban and brings together top-ranked Australia and the second-ranked hosts.
After three Australian Tests ended within two days over the space of a year, McDonald said his players needed a mental adjustment to batting at a steadier pace. He said they had demonstrated they could build totals when surfaces offered favourable conditions, and argued their performances remained strong relative to opposition teams.
Australia's recent returns include dismissals for 198, 284 and 210 against Bangladesh in August, when the series played in Darwin and Mackay ended in a draw. During their 4-1 Ashes win, Australia passed 500 in both Brisbane and Sydney but also recorded three totals below 160.
Vice-captain Travis Head challenged criticism by former Australian players, arguing that conditions and cricket had changed since their careers. He said batting averages had declined globally and in the Sheffield Shield. Head will continue opening following three centuries in that position during the Ashes.
Cameron Green's abdominal strain leaves an opening in the side for either Nic Maddinson or Cooper Connolly. Green will miss the Durban Test and is considered unlikely to bowl across the series. Maddinson is in contention partly because of his batting against spin.
