Teenage opener Sam Konstas was thrust into the spotlight during Australia’s Test series in the West Indies, and despite his struggles, head coach Andrew McDonald has come to his defence. The series proved challenging for the entire Australian batting unit, with unpredictable pitches and the pink Dukes ball making conditions extremely difficult.
Speaking on The New Ball on SEN Radio, McDonald said it was “really difficult to make accurate judgments” about batting performances, particularly after the third Test at Sabina Park, which he felt “didn’t even look like cricket” at times.
That final Test, played under lights with the pink Dukes ball, ended in dramatic fashion, heavily favouring the bowlers. “That cricket was borderline impossible to play at certain stages, some of those deliveries from Mitchell Starc, the way that ball behaved under lights it’s a bigger question for what the pink Dukes looks like for Test match cricket, really,” McDonald said.
Despite those conditions, McDonald admitted the series had raised more questions than answers-especially regarding the top-order-just months out from the home Ashes beginning in November.
Konstas, replacing Marnus Labuschagne at the top, endured a tough debut, averaging just 8.33 across the series. He also struggled in the field, dropping catches and misfielding during West Indies’ dramatic collapse for 27 in the final Test.
While some have questioned whether the experience may have done more harm than good, McDonald firmly backed the 19-year-old. “I don’t think anyone’s damaged by being exposed to Test cricket. It gives you a taste of what that level is like and he’s clear on what he needs to work on.”
McDonald added that Konstas’ natural aggression and technique are still developing, and that the conditions in the Caribbean made his debut particularly difficult. “When you’ve got up-and-down seaming wickets, it can force you into those corners a lot quicker than surfaces that are batter-friendly.”
As for Labuschagne, who missed selection for the first time since 2019, McDonald expressed confidence he wouldn’t be out of the side for long. “He averages 46 in Test match cricket. We feel as though this wasn’t going to be a huge gap before he does return because of the quality.”
Labuschagne could potentially return as an opener, especially if Cameron Green retains the number three spot following his strong performance in the series. McDonald clarified that Labuschagne doesn’t need to open for Queensland to be considered for the same role at Test level.
“Marnus has got great clarity leaving this tour, which is a success in itself. We look forward to what he does in the early Shield rounds,” McDonald said.
Looking ahead, McDonald confirmed that Mitchell Starc will join captain Pat Cummins in sitting out the upcoming white-ball series in the Northern Territory against South Africa in August.
With the Ashes on the horizon and a full domestic season ahead, McDonald believes the next few months will be crucial in finalising Australia’s best top-order combination.
– Ends
