IND vs AUS: Pat Cummins' captaincy, Andrew McDonald's coaching changed before Border-Gavaskar Trophy

In what has been the latest development as per the reports in the Age, it is learned that Cricket Australia is set to extend the contract of head coach Andrew Mcdonald. The head coach has been asked by the governing body to continue the job till 2027.

The reports claimed that Andrew Mcdonald getting an extension also means that Pat Cummins will continue leading the team as well till 2027. The duo has been extremely successful as the coach and the captain of the Australia National Cricket Team in the Tests as well as ODIs, winning championships in both formats.

Andrew McDonald's coaching tenure with Australia has been extended up to a blockbuster year in 2027 - now almost certain that Cummins will captain until then also #AUSvIND https://t.co/Y9drdb9dta

— Daniel Brettig 🏏 (@danbrettig) October 30, 2024

Andrew Mcdonald and Pat Cummins will continue ruling Australia Cricket until the end of 2027

Andrew Mcdonald joined the Australian team as the head coach in 2022 after Justin Langer ended his stint with the team. He was given the four-year deal, which was till early 2026. But with the kind of success that he has got, he has been offered an extension.

This means that the duo of Andrew Mcdonald and Pat Cummins will continue ruling the Australia Cricket until the end of 2027. They have a chance to defend their ODI World Cup title that year as well as the next cycle of the World Test Championship. During their tenure, they will also play away Test series in India and the next Ashes tour in 2027.

I am very fortunate to have an exceptional group of leaders, players, coaches, and staff who are fully invested in the ongoing well-being, success - of Andrew Mcdonald

Andrew Mcdonald, while talking about the extension of his contract, credited the players of the team for making him a successful coach. He said that he is proud of the way how the team has negated the challenges. While talking about the same, he explained:

"I am very fortunate to have an exceptional group of leaders, players, coaches, and staff who are fully invested in the ongoing well-being, success, and development of this group. The professionalism, commitment, and experience of my fellow coaches and the wider staff have ensured the journey has been extremely successful but, just as importantly, created a culture of unity, trust, and inclusivity.

"International cricket has many challenges for all teams, and I am particularly proud of how the group, players, and staff, across all formats, have navigated those together."

Pat Cummins expresses the desire to continue captaining the Australian team

Recently Pat Cummins also mentioned that he would be open to remaining in his role for longer than may have first been planned. He, along with Andrew Mcdonald, has been quite successful as the under-timed team won the 2023 ODI World Cup and World Test Championship titles.

Australia also has a great chance to qualify for the final of the ICC World Test Championship. Pat Cummins & Co are currently placed at the second spot in the table and their place in the final will be depicted after the result of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, which will be played from 22nd November.