McDonald says teenage batter was “picked for a reason” ahead of likely ODI debut in Pakistan

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Australia coach Andrew McDonald has urged fans and media to stay patient with teenage batter Oliver Peake as the 19-year-old edges closer to an ODI debut in Pakistan following injuries in the squad.

An ankle injury to stand-in captain Mitchell Marsh has left Australia short on batting options for the opening ODI in Rawalpindi, increasing the likelihood of Peake featuring in the middle order. Australia may also need a new opening partner for Matt Short with both Marsh and Travis Head unavailable.

If selected, Peake would become Australia’s youngest men’s ODI debutant since Pat Cummins in 2011.

Despite Peake not yet scoring a professional century and owning a modest domestic record, McDonald believes the youngster has earned his opportunity. However, he cautioned against placing unrealistic expectations on another teenage talent after the intense spotlight faced by Sam Konstas during his early Test appearances.

“International cricket is difficult and he’s taking a significant leap up,” McDonald said, while stressing the need for patience around Peake’s development.

Australia’s management believes exposing young players like Peake and Konstas to international cricket early can accelerate their long-term growth, even if they step away from the national side temporarily afterward.

McDonald also praised Peake’s maturity, game awareness and ability to handle setbacks during a challenging Sheffield Shield campaign after starring at the Under-19 World Cup.

“He’s been picked for a reason,” McDonald said. “There’s a highly skilled player there who understands his method at a young age. We’re confident he’s ready if the opportunity comes in Pakistan.”