McDonald backs Green to handle spin ahead of India Tests

Australia coach Andrew McDonald said Cameron Green's struggles against spin in Cape Town on Saturday are no cause for concern ahead of the summer tour of India, Cricket Australia said in a statement.

Green was largely at the centre of Australia's collapse to 111 all out, never looking comfortable against South Africa off-spinner Simon Harmer before being bowled by him.

Harmer finished with figures of 6-16, and Green faced 13 balls from him for two runs, two edges, one dropped catch and a dismissal.

McDonald said Green had good technique against spin and the skills to succeed in any conditions.

"He's a good player of spin. He's got good reach. He's able to sweep. He's able to use his feet as well in amongst all that reach," McDonald said.

He said the match situation had pushed Green into a draw mentality, which stopped him from finding a rhythm against Harmer.

"This scenario shifted him into a draw mentality (in Cape Town). He wasn't able to get into a rhythm against Harmer," McDonald said.

Green scored a century on a flat pitch in Ahmedabad, India, in 2023, and his 77 on a difficult Galle pitch in 2022 is considered among the best innings of his career.

Green also looks a natural fit at No.4 once Steve Smith retires, after batting well there in the first innings of the Cape Town Test.

The tour features five Tests, starting with the first at VCA Stadium in Nagpur from Jan. 21 to 25, and finishing with the fifth at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad from Feb. 27 to March 3.

All matches will be broadcast exclusively in Australia on Kayo and Fox Cricket.