Australia head coach Andrew McDonald leaves team ahead of the second ODI in Adelaide due to his HUGE reason - Reports

Ankitjit Singh is a Sub-Editor at Khel Now, known for his in-depth knowledge of cricket.

Published at :October 21, 2025 at 2:56 PM

Modified at :October 21, 2025 at 2:56 PM

IND, AUS, IND vs AUS, India, Australia, India vs Australia, Shubman Gill, Mitchell Marsh

(Courtesy : BCCI)

Australia are 1-0 ahead in the three-match ODI series against India.

The Australian Cricket Team have faced a blow ahead of the second ODI against the Indian Cricket Team. As per the reports in Code Sports, it is learned that head coach Andrew McDonald won’t be there for the last two games, to be played in Adelaide and Sydney on 23 and 25 respectively.

The reports claimed that Andrew McDonald will be missing the last two games to prepare for the Ashes 2025-26. The head coach doesn’t want to waste any time preparing for the series against England and will be meeting Steve Smith and Pat Cummins to plan and strategise as the India series goes on.

In his absence, assistant head coach Andre Borovec will act as a coach for the India series. Australia have already taken a 1-0 lead in the series after their dominating performance with the bat and ball in the first game at the Optus Stadium in Perth.

In a game that was reduced to 26 overs per side, Australia restricted India at 136/9, which was revised to a target of 131. Then in the chase, skipper Mitchell Marsh (46*) led from the front as Australia chased the target with seven wickets in hand.

Australia would be keen to win the second game as well and take an unbeatable lead of 2-0 in the series. India, on the other hand, will be eager to make a comeback and so as Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who failed to score runs in the first match in Perth.

The Ashes 2025-26 to begin on November 21 in Perth

Pat Cummins, ICC WTC 2023-25 final — LONDON, ENGLAND – JUNE 12: Pat Cummins acknowledges the crowd after taking 5 for during day two of the ICC World Test Championship Final 2025 between SA and AUS at Lord’s Cricket Ground on June 12, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Matthew Lewis-ICC/ICC via Getty Images)

Coming to the Ashes 2025-26, the series will begin on November 21 in Perth and will conclude on January 8 in Sydney. Australia are mulling over the fitness of captain Pat Cummins, who is expected to miss the first match if not the entire series.

If he misses the series, it will be Steve Smith, who will be leading the team. The batter is vice-captain of the test side and would want to take the opportunity to take his team to win. Australia have been dominant in the Ashes over the last few years and would want to retain the urn.

Who is leading the three-match IND vs AUS ODI series?

Australia are 1-0 ahead in the three-match ODI series against India.

When will second IND vs AUS ODI be played?

The second IND vs AUS ODI will be played on October 23.

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Ankitjit Singh

Ankitjit Singh is a dedicated sports journalist whose childhood dream was to play cricket—now, he serves the game through his work. With over three years of experience in reporting, writing, and editing, he brings deep insight to his coverage. A journalism graduate from Delhi University, Ankitjit’s passion for cricket took root during his college days and continues to drive his career.