McDonald rejects claim Australia underachieved in South Africa

His side had not underachieved during Pat Cummins's time as captain, despite losing the series in South Africa, Australia coach Andrew McDonald said on Wednesday, Cricket Australia said in a statement.

Australia lost the three-match series after leading one-nil, and McDonald said he was "incredibly frustrated" by the team's failure to hold that advantage.

The side was bowled out for 111 on the final day of the decider in Cape Town, after falling to 7-60 in the morning session while chasing 288.

It was their second collapse in as many matches, after they were dismissed for 99 in the first innings of the second Test in Gqeberha.

McDonald acknowledged the result was disappointing, but he said it should be viewed alongside a wider record.

"We've underachieved here," he said.

"I think people put a lot of premium on the key series, and that's ultimately where you are judged."

He added that he would not describe the team's overall performance as underachievement once that record was considered.

Since Cummins was appointed captain in December 2021, Australia have won 11 Test series and drawn three, losing only to South Africa and to India in 2023 when playing away.

McDonald also said the current game has greater depth than in earlier eras, and he rejected any comparison with past generations.

"It feels as though it's hard to win on the road, and that's the greatest challenge," he said.

Cummins has won 26 and lost 11 Tests as captain, a record McDonald said was similar to that of Steve Smith, though Smith has drawn seven matches to Cummins's six.

McDonald said his contract, which runs until after next year's ODI World Cup in South Africa, would be reviewed at its end.

"My firm focus is we've got 10 Test matches in the next three months," he said.

Australia face New Zealand, India and England in big Test series over the next 12 months, with a Test against England marking the 150th anniversary of the format due next March.