Usman Khawaja was one player McDonald did guarantee would appear in Sydney, with the Australian coach dismissing any thoughts the veteran batter would announce his retirement from international cricket.
Khawaja was dropped from the side for the second Test in Brisbane, but responded well in Adelaide when contributing scores of 82 and 40 after earning a late reprieve on the day of the game when Steve Smith was ruled out of the contest.
“He’s with his family at the moment, having a couple of days off, and we will build into Sydney, and we’re always having conversations around where players are at and speaking directly with players,” McDonald said.
“There is no indication at my end that he’s calling it in Sydney. That will be something that we discuss, but his performance in this calendar year has been good enough to warrant selection.
“I’d see he’ll be there, marking centre in Sydney.”
Ashes schedule:
First Test: Perth Stadium, November 21-22 (Australia won by eight wickets)
Second Test: Gabba, December 4-7 (Australia won by eight wickets)
Third Test: Adelaide Oval, December 17-21 (Australia won by 82 runs)
Fourth Test: MCG, December 26-30 (England won by four wickets)
Fifth Test: SCG, January 4-8
