Ashes 2023: No doubt that there will be more cravings for net sessions from Smith and Labuschagne, says McDonald

London, June 22 : Australia head coach Andrew McDonald believes Marnus Labuschagne and Steven Smith will undoubtedly have more cravings for net sessions after making no significant contribution in the sides two-wicket win in the opening Ashes 2023 Test match at Edgbaston.

At Edgbaston, Australias thrilling victory didnt have significant contributions from Smith and Labuschagne, who made 35 runs between themselves.

"Its very rare that Marn (Labuschagne) and Smudge (Smith) miss out in the same Test match.Its an appetising thought.

They will no doubt be craving for more net sessions from Marn and Smudge."Theyre disappointed they missed out in this game, but I think any time the Australian cricket team can win without those two performing at a high level is always a positive.

Weve got some areas we can improve, theres some growth within the team and theres two obvious ones," McDonald was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo.While Smith was trapped lbw and gave a catch to slips in the match, Labuschagne was out after nicking twice off Stuart Broad.

McDonald expects both Smith and Labuschagne to find the solutions to the things which troubled them at Edgbaston ahead of the second Test at Lords starting from June 28."I think theres always a curiosity to get better, so were not going to stall that in any way.Theyll come up with different plans, different movements.Theyve seen what England are going to do and how theyre going to attack them, and theyre probably two of the greatest problem-solvers weve had over a period of time," he said.

"So you would expect them to go back to the drawing board.(Batting coach) Michael Di Venuto will be part of that process.

Theyll come out pretty clear what they need to do next innings.But theres no issue there," he added.

McDonald further expressed surprise over England batters dealing with Scott Boland via their aggressive approach in Edgbaston."Wed seen the way they go about it, they are ultra-aggressive.

But I think Scott Boland, that match-up probably surprised us how aggressive they were against Scott.So thats something we can look at and find better ways through," he concluded.

nr/ak #Ashes #doubt #Smith #Labuschagne #McDonald #Cricket #BCCI #ICC #IPL #Sports #London.