‘Nothing is firm and fixed at the moment’ - Andrew McDonald on Australia’s batting lineup ahead of India series

Australia head coach Andrew McDonald recently gave his take on Australia’s top six batters for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Talking of the side’s lineup, McDonald revealed that there has been no discussion on the matter as of yet, but a similar top six like that of the last series can be expected. 

It is worth noting that veteran batter Steve Smith shifted up the order to play as an opener in the batting order after David Warner retired from Test cricket. However, according to McDonald, Warner’s retirement does not guarantee Smith a spot in the middle order. Besides, he also mentioned about dealing with several 'what ifs' factors.

"While we've got an eye to it, we haven't made any firm decisions around that one, we've already had some chats in Sydney initially around what we're thinking for the summer, and that goes right down to depth bowling and all those hypotheticals and 'what-ifs' that we always go through,” McDonald told SEN Radio.

"Clearly, if we make a shift with Steve Smith, then someone else will have to go to the top. We've seen Cameron Green be really successful at No. 4 as well. So that adds layers to the decision-making, but nothing is fixed and firm at the moment,” he added.

We're still a big believer in the best six batters: McDonald

It is worth noting that Steve Smith did not have the best of outings as an opener; however, regardless of what the selectors decide among the likes of Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Travis Head, and Mitchell Marsh, his place in the side looks assured.

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"We've spoken about that, and we're still a big believer in the best six batters, We feel as though that the team that finished in New Zealand, should they get a clean run at it and be well prepared, then they would be the best-placed players to fill that, there's no doubt about that,” McDonald said. 

Furthermore, the head coach also stated that Australia will be prioritizing the upcoming series against India in the home summer, and might rest the Test players in the white ball series against Pakistan, which could allow them to play in the Sheffield Shield.