David Warner is almost on the verge of bidding goodbye to Test cricket, with two innings left under his belt before he hangs up his boots. This doesn’t change anything at all. Not for Australia coach Andrew McDonald at least.
Warner ‘greatest ever’ all format player: Aussie coach
The Australia head coach labelled Warner as the ‘greatest ever’ all-format plyer ahead of the 3rd PAK vs AUS Test. Defying critics, especially ones within his side, the southpaw went on to score a ton in his penultimate Test at Perth. Speaking to Fox News, the Australia head coach felt that he was the best three-format player at the moment, acknowledging that he was going to be hard to replace in the red-ball format.
“He is probably our greatest ever three-format player,” McDonald said.
“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.
“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.”
Speaking about the 3rd Test, McDonald hinted at no possible changes in the XI even as the selection committee comprising of Geroge Bailey and co is set to meet today. When it comes to Warner’s replacement, the southpaw has himself backed Marcus Harris to assume his role as opener in
Tests. The coach revealed that the deadline to make that call would be the team selection meeting for the series against West Indies.