"Let's just be patient": Australia head coach Andrew McDonald on Ollie Peake ahead of 1st ODI vs Pakistan

Rawalpindi [Pakistan], May 27 (ANI): Australia head coach Andrew McDonald has urged patience over 19-year-old youngster Ollie Peake ahead of the opening ODI against Pakistan, stressing that he is making a "significant leap" into international cricket.

An ankle injury to Mitchell Marsh has reduced Australia's squad to just 14 available players for the opening ODI in Rawalpindi, with only seven specialist batters in contention if all-rounder Liam Scott is excluded. Scott is also expected to make his ODI debut during the series but is likely to feature in a lower-order role.

Ollie Peake was already in line for a debut during the series, but his chances have now strengthened significantly due to the shortage of top-order options.

Australia may be forced to field a second stand-in opener alongside Matt Short, with both Marsh and Travis Head unavailable. Wicketkeeper-batter Alex Carey could be used temporarily at the top, potentially opening up a middle-order slot for Peake at No. 5 or 6.

If he plays, the 19-year-old would become Australia's youngest ODI debutant since Pat Cummins in 2011, and the fourth-youngest overall behind Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Ray Bright.

Speaking ahead of the series in Rawalpindi on May 30, McDonald said young players should not be burdened with excessive expectations early in their careers, adding that the focus should be on gradual development.

Head coach Andrew McDonald has backed the youngster for selection despite a relatively modest domestic record and no professional centuries so far.

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