Australia coach Andrew McDonald responds to Steve Smith criticism, predicts superstar’s bounce back

Steve Smith’s role in the Australian team remains a major talking point despite their series win in New Zealand – but coach Andrew McDonald had some pointed words for the opener’s critics.

Andrew McDonald says the extent of criticism directed towards Steve Smith the opener is “unfair” but the Australian coach has stopped short of locking the former captain in that position for next summer’s marquee home series against India.

The heroics of Alex Carey, Mitch Marsh and Pat Cummins at Hagley Oval on Monday eased the pressure on the Aussies who moved back into the top two on the World Test Championship table following their three-wicket win over New Zealand in the second Test.

Australia has played 20 Tests dating back to late November 2022 – as well as winning a one-day World Cup – but does not play another Test until the start of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series in late November.

With no selection urgency, McDonald would not guarantee the same XI that has played the last four Tests would line up if fit come the start of the India series, but said that the team would be tough “to infiltrate.”

With Carey having shored up his spot with an unbeaten 98 in the Christchurch chase, the most pressing discussion surrounds Smith, who accrued just 51 runs across four Test innings in NZ and is averaging 28.50 since moving to the top of the order as David Warner’s replacement in January.

Alex Carey was the hero in Australia’s most recent win with an unbeaten 98. Picture: Getty Images

McDonald said Smith remained energised by the challenge of opening and suggested that commentary around the all-time great’s output had been harsh.

“I think it’s unfair. But that would probably mean that I’m going into defensive mode around my player, which will be probably a headline,” McDonald said.

“Yeah, I don’t think it’s deserved. I think he’ll be able to work through that. It’s a new challenge for him. It’s a new position and if you’re bringing in a new opener, and you gave them four Test matches, and then said, ‘Okay, we’re going to shift that after four Test matches,’ would you think that’s fair, unfair? I think it’s reasonably unfair.

McDonald is sticking by his opener. Picture: Getty Images

“I think for Test matches, this is still a rather small sample size. No doubt everyone’s asking the question around Steve Smith. We feel like he’s that feel like he’s a great player. His ability to problem-solve is one of his great strengths. So he’s been challenged in these conditions. The surface has been new ball wickets, and no doubt there’ll be a debate as to what his best position is. But we’re trying to make sure that we get the best top six batters. Plus Alex Carey as an extension of that. And how we stack them is always going to be a debate.”

But McDonald pointed to the likelihood of an unchanged XI on the back of just one change across the summer – Cameron Green for Warner – given Australia won six of seven Tests this season, retained the Ashes last year and claimed a WTC title last June.

“There’s a long time between now and the next Test match, a lot water under the bridge. We feel as though we’ve got a group that can carry us through that next phase,” McDonald said.

“It’s not to say that there won’t be changes but as it sits at the moment, we’ve won 2-0 here, we’ve had a 12 Test match run, we’ve won eight of those Test matches a couple of those being away in terms of the Ashes and here so yeah, it’s gonna be a hard group to infiltrate. It will take something special.

Will Steve Smith return to his illustrious heights? Picture: Getty Images

“We’ve got seven or eight months before we have to pick the next team so now we’ve got an opportunity here to take some time, assess where everything’s at. And then make some decisions from there. And I’m always a believer in making a decision when you need to make the decision and now’s not the time for that.”

Smith is unlikely to play any red-ball cricket until a Sheffield Shield stint for NSW in October.

Meanwhile McDonald all but confirmed Mitch Marsh would be named as captain for June’s Twenty20 World Cup.

“I think all roads will lead to Mitch. So I’ve just got to get that ticked off in certain areas. But yeah, we’re happy and comfortable the way he’s been able to operate with that T20 team. I think he’s the leader for the World Cup. And yeah, I think that’ll be just a matter of due course.”

Originally published as Australia coach Andrew McDonald responds to Steve Smith criticism, predicts superstar’s bounce back