Australia’s head coach Andrew McDonald added that the Pat Cummins-led side will remain committed to its ultra-aggressive brand of batting despite their nine-wicket loss to Pakistan in the 2nd ODI. With the series now set for a decider in Perth, McDonald said that Australia’s strategy will remain focused on high-intensity play, despite recent struggles and a depleted lineup as well.

“We go to Perth with a clear plan, a clear method,” McDonald said, speaking to cricket.com.au. “We’re committed to the style we want to play. The big thing about that is we’ve won 16 out of the last 19 games, even with changing personnel. We believe in the aggressive approach, and while we didn’t execute well in Adelaide, we aim to bounce back.”

However, Australia’s new ODI opening pair of Matt Short and Jake Fraser-McGurk has struggled to make an impact at the top as well, but McDonald remains hopeful about their potential. Short’s form in England earlier this year showed promise too, and McDonald opined on Fraser-McGurk’s development as an ongoing process.

“It’s about finding that balance,” he added. “Matt showed he’s up to the task earlier, even if the results haven’t come this series. And Jake is on his journey; he’s good enough to play at this level, but setbacks are part of his growth.”

McDonald also opened up on Australia’s recent ODI World Cup success in India, noting that tournament preparation often brings challenges that help refine the team’s form as well. He also sees parallels between that period and their current build-up to the Champions Trophy next year as well.

“We didn’t have the smoothest prep before the World Cup but pulled it together in the end. This phase is about tuning things up, and Perth will be another chance to respond and sharpen our game,” McDonald concluded.