Warner is probably greatest all-format Aus player: Coach McDonald

Australia head coach and former all-rounder Andrew McDonald has stunned the cricket world by declaring David Warner as the country's most decorated all-format player. Moreover, he also added it was impossible to find his able replacement in the purest format of the game called Test cricket. Notably, his massive statement came just ahead of Warner's farewell Test to be played against Pakistan in Sydney on January 3, 2024.

Besides, Andrew McDonald did not shy away from admitting David Warner leaving red-ball cricket would be a huge loss for Australian cricket. Furthermore, he also lauded him for repaying selectors' faith by slamming a memorable century against Pakistan in the first Test. Hence, he was always more than willing to pick the Southpaw in his side even after the explosive left-hander had gone through a rough patch in the past in Test cricket.

“He is probably our greatest ever three-format player. 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," McDonald said.

“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," said in a video shared by Cricket.com.au.

We will put deadline and that’ll be West Indies selection meeting: Head Coach McDonald

Meanwhile, speaking of the opening selection conundrum which seems inevitable once David Warner completes the Sydney Test, the Australia head coach indicated that he was in no hurry to name an able opener in the post-Warner era. Besides, Cricket Australia's selection committee is bound to meet on Saturday afternoon in Melbourne, to discuss the future opener for the country in Test format. Notably, Andrew McDonald will meet the panel which comprises Chief Selector, George Bailey, along with fellow selector, Tony Dodemaide, respectively.

In the same vein, speaking of the ongoing Test series between Australia and Pakistan, the home side has already gained an unassailable lead with a dominant yet close win against the visitors in the 'Boxing Day' Test. Moving on, the SCG (Sydney Cricket Ground) Test will get underway on Wednesday, January 3. Australia have already revealed their playing XI for the final Test and they will be going ahead with an unchanged side.

Consequently, this gives some breathing space for Andrew McDonald to mull over the team combination and replacement for David Warner for the upcoming two-Test series against West Indies to be played at home. As indicated by the head coach, four men in the form of Cameron Bancroft, Marcus Harris, Cameron Green and Matthew Renshaw, respectively, are in the race to claim the coveted spot.

Interestingly enough, McDonald is aiming to have a settled national side for matches beyond the West Indies series. Notably, Australia will be squaring off against New Zealand and India later in the new year. Commenting on the overall situation, McDonald iterated that things are going to happen rather swiftly with the big debate of who will be the next regular opener for Australia in Tests. Albeit, he added that he would keep all his cards open and would consider everyone before taking the big decision in the upcoming meeting with the selectors.

“I think we can start … discussing that, definitely, and forecasting what that might look like. There is no doubt about that. It is all going to come pretty quickly,” the 42-year-old further continued.

“There are a few options. Everyone is well aware of the options. We will put a deadline on that and that’ll be the West Indies selection meeting. All options will be considered,” McDonald concluded.