Australia to maintain aggressive batting strategy despite ODI defeat
What's the story
Australia's cricket team, led by Pat Cummins, is resolute on continuing its aggressive batting approach.
This resolve comes despite a crushing nine-wicket defeat to Pakistan in the second One Day International (ODI).
The team's head coach, Andrew McDonald, has backed this approach ahead of the series decider in Perth.
Australia were bundled out for 163 in the 2nd ODI before Pakistan won the match by nine wickets.
Here's more.
Coach's assurance
McDonald confident in team's strategy and lineup
Despite the absence of key players such as Cummins, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Marnus Labuschagne for the final match as they prepare for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, which begins on November 22, McDonald is hopeful.
He told cricket.com.au that "We go to Perth with a clear plan, a clear method."
He added, "We're committed to the style we want to play."
Coach's support
McDonald backs new ODI opening pair
McDonald has trusted Australia's new ODI opening pair, Matt Short and Jake Fraser-McGurk. Despite their failure at the top, he is optimistic about their potential.
He said that "Matt showed he's up to the task earlier, even if the results haven't come this series."
He also added that "Jake is on his journey; he's good enough to play at this level, but setbacks are part of his growth."
Tournament preparation
McDonald draws parallels between World Cup and Champions Trophy
Drawing parallels between Australia's recent ODI World Cup success in India and their current build-up to the Champions Trophy next year, McDonald said, "We didn't have the smoothest prep before the World Cup but pulled it together in the end."
He sees this phase as an opportunity for tuning things up, adding, "Perth will be another chance to respond and sharpen our game."
Player's stance
Fraser-McGurk defends aggressive approach amid criticism
Despite former Test wicketkeeper Ian Healy's criticism of "egotistical" batting from the Australian team when conditions called for a pragmatic approach, young top-order batter Jake Fraser-McGurk has defended his aggressive approach.
He said that the game is changing and they aim to take on the first 10 overs aggressively to set a strong platform for the rest of the team.