McDonald clarifies Australia’s focus amidst search for ODI captaincy

Australian coach Andrew McDonald (PC: Twitter)

Australian coach Andrew McDonald said that the team is not focused on finding its next ODI captain. Regular skipper Aaron Finch retired from ODIs following Australia’s 3-0 series win over the visiting New Zealanders.

The opening batter will continue to lead his side in T20Is, with his immediate assignment being a three-match trip to India and a T20 World Cup at home next month.

T20 World Cup more pressing at this stage – Coach McDonald

Cricketer-turned-coach Andrew McDonald has stated that Australia’s primary focus right now is to defend their T20I World title at home. He added that there is still time for the management to consider options for Australia’s ODI captaincy. The former cricketer said:

“We have got a little bit of time to consider what those options look like. We've got the (T20) World Cup in front of us so that's more pressing at this stage than filling the captaincy void.”

Australia’s T20I World Cup 2022 campaign will kick-off with a match against Antipodean rivals New Zealand on October 22 at the SCG. Meanwhile, they will play their first set of ODI matches in the post-Finch era after the tournament, by hosting England in three games in November.

In regards to the hunt of next Australian ODI captain, Finch himself has backed David Warner to take over the role from him. While speaking on the Triple M radio, he said:

“He’s (Warner) someone I’ve played under a few times for Australia when he’s had the opportunity to captain, and he’s been fantastic. He’s an unbelievable tactical captain and someone who at the time the guys loved playing under.”

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