Interim Australian men’s cricket coach Andrew McDonald insists he won’t introduce radical change after the dramatic departure of Justin Langer.
Praised by Test captain Pat Cummins and white-ball skipper Aaron Finch for his calm demeanour, McDonald is considered a favourite to assume Australia’s full-time head coach role.
The 40-year-old oversaw Friday night’s 20-run win in the first of five Twenty20s against Sri Lanka and will lead a historic tour of Pakistan next month.
A reserved McDonald says he isn’t focused on his future beyond those assignments but is “fascinated” to see how Australia and England go about filling their vacant coaching roles.
“No thoughts given to it (the full-time role) at this stage,” McDonald said.
“I think the greater conversation around that is clearly Australia and England have got jobs open, but it’s what they’re looking for.
“Split roles have been mentioned, all three formats, that type of thing. There’s a lot to work through, but I’ll wait to see that process unfold and see what happens.
“Firstly, you’ve got to see what they’re looking for in the job and then whether it’s the right fit for you. It’s like any coaching role that you put your hat in the ring for.”
Much has been made of Langer’s supposed volatility and how it affected the players, but McDonald won’t look to overhaul much in the interim after a successful summer.
“In the last six months we’ve had an incredible time,” he said.
“It’s been well-documented the change-room was in a good space. The (T20) World Cup was a great experience, the Ashes was a great experience.
“I can’t see there being a hell of a lot of change on the back of that.”
In keeping with Cummins’s press conference earlier in the week, McDonald lauded Langer’s contribution since taking over the helm during Australian cricket’s nadir in 2018.
“I learnt plenty (from Langer),” he said.
“The values that he instilled into the team; the way he was able to manage things from South Africa forward I think was an incredible effort.
“An incredibly high work-rate, that attention to detail, care, empathy – all those types of things that have played out.
“Just respect for what he’s done in terms of his playing career and coaching career.”
McDonald confirmed he’d been in contact with Langer via text message after the former mentor opted to resign having only been offered a six-month contract extension.
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
It could be a cousin.
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
I can hear Skyhooks singing "Winning is not a dirty word"
Chanon
Roar Rookie
We have to wait for Langer’s book titled ‘ Love me love me not’
Paul
Roar Guru
Yeah, it seems very strange for a former colleague to only get in touch via text. perhaps he tried to call Langer but Langer wasn't picking up?
soapit
Roar Guru
'it' could be anything after all
Clear as mud
Guest
Isn’t it just as fair to believe that he doesn’t know what “it” is - so “it” all depends on what they do with “it”?
Clear as mud
Guest
Larger goes from plum job to cannery row. How fruity!
Clear as mud
Guest
I think you have missed the bigger point. He has been in contact with Langer - but by text (only). Alludes to a lesser relationship than I might have imagined. Burger broke up via post-it note jimmy webb left for Oklahoma leaving a note on the fridge McDonald and Langer - texts only (hopefully no pics? Actually They can send each other anything they are both willing to send, and receive) What a summer…
Paul
Roar Guru
McDonald talked about the things he's learned from Langer, but I assume elite honesty is not one of them, IF the report on this story is correct. There's no way he can't have thought about what he'd do if he was offered the job. Sure he might be waiting to see what CA wants before deciding to apply, but he wouldn't be human if he hadn't given it any thought.
DTM
Roar Rookie
Smart words from McDonald. He has quietly introduced the possibility that he'd coach England - this will put a little pressure on CA to make a decision on him sooner rather than later. He may even be a good fit for the England job - I'd now be surprised if Langer goes for it.
Gee
Roar Rookie
Keep your mouth shut and don't annoy the little NSW darlings and he is in with a shot. Winning not so important as Langers canning has shown.
soapit
Roar Guru
oh yeah for sure, its a diplomatic statement (and im nit picking). but not the most straight up choice of words
Chanon
Roar Rookie
He’s playing it like a savvy politician, don’t worry he wants it more than anything l. He’s hoping winning in Pakistan & Sri Lanka will give him the job :stoked:
soapit
Roar Guru
bit hard to believe he hasnt given any thought to it though. almost negligent of him not to at this point really
Chanon
Roar Rookie
McDonald, spoken like a true gentleman he’s a thoughtful considerate bloke sounds like a straight shooter. He may come across as a meek & mild customer but l think he’s not much different to Langer probably just a bit more constrained in his approach.All the best hope he gets the gong for a long term contract as Australian test coach! :boxing: