Aussie coach Andrew McDonald publicly puts players on notice after first Test failure

Marnus Labuschagne has been put on notice after coach Andrew McDonald left the door open for squad changes as Australia looks to square the Test series with Bangladesh.

Former Test opener Matthew Hayden has called for Matt Renshaw and Sam Konstas to be recalled after No.3 Labuschagne and opener Jake Weatherald continued their lean run in the shock nine-wicket loss inside four days in the first Test in Darwin .

McDonald said the calls for change were inevitable and understandable.

“A lot of people call for change even when we are winning. They are entitled to do that too on the back of a performance like that,” he said.

“Why wouldn’t they? That is part of our lot. Lose a game and there are going to be calls for guys (to be dropped) who aren’t performing to the levels they would like or we would like.”

McDonald was asked if there was scope to add to the 13-man squad officially named for the two Tests, which also includes spare batter Josh Inglis and paceman Scott Boland.

“We could add to that. It is a very light squad that we have,” he said.

“We will make those decisions in the coming days as to ... potentially adding or sticking with what we have got.”

McDonald said his side’s match tally short of 500 runs in Darwin was unacceptable on a good surface. Australia made 198 and 284.

“I think we are better than that. I can’t sit there and defend that,” he said.

While McDonald admitted batting wasn’t the only issue, the microscope is on Labuschagne and Weatherald ahead of the second Test from Saturday in Mackay.

Both have made changes to their technique to try to regain form. Weatherald averages 20 in six Tests and Labuschagne is searching for his first century in the format since 2023.

Labuschagne scored one in the first innings in Darwin and was looking good on 31 in the second dig until he missed a straight delivery.

“He is disappointed at that, a missed opportunity. He needs some big runs,” the coach said.