Former wicketkeeper Ian Healy says Test coach Andrew McDonald is “in the gun” after Australia’s series defeat in South Africa, which he believes should cost chief selector George Bailey his job.
Australia won the first Test and was in dominant positions to win either of the final two matches, only to capitulate on the final day of the series and be bowled out for 111.
Pat Cummins’ decision to bowl first in the third Test was questioned at the time and ended up backfiring as Australia’s batters crumbled in the run chase.
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He has naturally copped plenty of criticism following the loss, but Healy says McDonald should be under pressure.
The former all-rounder was appointed in 2022 and has huge overseas series coming up in 2027 in India and England, with Healy calling for batting legend Ricky Ponting to come in if Australia suffers more losses.
“The captain in cricket runs the show and takes the rap,” Healy said on SENQ Breakfast.
“The coach stays out of those areas (like what to do at the toss), but Andrew McDonald is a selector.
“I think the selectors, with their laughable squad that was unbalanced in South Africa, really need looking at.
“I can’t believe they got the Nic Maddinson selection over the line.
“What I’m hearing is they are looking at extending the coach … but what I’d be doing is inquiring about the availability of several. Can we get Ricky Ponting?
“He (McDonald) is in the gun. I don’t mind one more year, McDonald taking us through to the Ashes.
“If things don’t improve, then I would have worked on a high-profile player to carry our next generation forward as head coach.”
Some of the selections throughout the series did more than raise a few eyebrows, with Healy declaring Bailey must go.
“Yes, I think so. I think it’s time to move on,” Healy replied when asked if Bailey should lose his job.
“But he’s also got a selection panel he’s got to get these selections over (the line) with.
“That’s the coach and Tony Dodemaide, a second selector; they are together.
“It’s a bit mind-boggling at times how you can get a selection over the line with three of you agreeing to do it.”
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