Australia's head coach Andrew McDonald is committed to preventing a repeat of the late-2000s player exodus, as he navigates a significant transition in the Test team. Following a one-year contract extension, McDonald acknowledges the challenge of rejuvenating a squad that recently fielded its oldest lineup in a century, with an average age around 33 during the last summer's Tests.

Key players like Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne have just turned 30, and with Cameron Green sidelined due to back surgery, the potential opening lineup could consist entirely of players over 30 if Marcus Harris or Cameron Bancroft is selected. McDonald, whose contract now extends through the demanding 2027 season, sees "future-proofing" the Test team as a top priority for cricket's governing bodies.