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"It Takes You A While" Australia Coach Urges Patience With Konstas Despite Failure In 1st Test

Soumyajit Dutta

Andrew McDonald and Sam Konstas [Source: @Sammy55/X.com]Andrew McDonald and Sam Konstas [Source: @Sammy55/X.com]

Australia's Test coach Andrew McDonald has called for patience as the team's reshuffled top order navigates its early challenges, despite securing a 159-run victory over the West Indies in the first Test at Barbados.

The win, sealed by Josh Hazlewood's five-wicket haul, came after the new-look batting lineup faced significant pressure on a difficult Kensington Oval surface. Returning opener Sam Konstas, first-drop Cameron Green, and recalled No. 4 Josh Inglis all showed improvement in their second innings but were ultimately worn down by the potent Windies pace attack after gritty starts.

McDonald Supports Sam Konstas, Green After Barbados Failure

McDonald emphasised that adapting to Test cricket requires time, particularly for players like Sam Konstas in his third Test and Green adapting to the No. 3 role after injury. Inglis was also playing just his third Test.

"When you start your career, it takes you a while to get to the level and it requires patience on all levels – that comes from coaching and external and internal. These guys are on a journey. They're starting it out and some people get there faster than others but definitely the leap up to Test cricket is a huge mental challenge and we look forward to those guys finding their way through that," McDonald added, as quoted by Cricket Australia.

Regarding Konstas, McDonald noted the learning process evident in his approach between innings and stressed the need for balance in his game. 

"He'll learn to play with what he's got... That's really the balance that he needs to strike and I think he's good enough, it'll just take some time for him to adapt," McDonald said.

On Green, batting at three for only the second time, McDonald expressed long-term confidence.

"It feels like he's almost starting his Test career again... We see him as number three. He's definitely good enough."

McDonald Praises Head's Contributions

Middle-order batters Travis Head, Beau Webster, and Alex Carey provided the crucial resistance with half-centuries that wrestled back control on day three. McDonald acknowledged the struggle faced by the newcomers.

"We were definitely put under pressure throughout that whole game. An incredible partnership from Travis Head and Beau Webster to navigate through that and give us something to bowl at," McDonald told reporters, as quoted by Cricket Australia.

With Steve Smith likely returning for the second Test in Grenada starting Thursday, one top-four batter will make way. McDonald reiterated the desire for stability, confirming Head will remain at No. 5 in these conditions.