Aussie skipper Pat Cummins says interim coach Andrew McDonald has seamlessly taken the reins of the Test team as they prepare for their first tour of Pakistan in over two decades.
The subcontinent remains one of the most difficult places for opposing teams to win and the tour presents a significant first-up challenge away from home for Cummins.
Despite guiding the team to a resounding Ashes series win, Cummins' first few months in the job have not been without drama, taking the role following Tim Paine's departure, before facing significant criticism in the wake of coach Justin Langer's eventual resignation.
Cummins however is confident the team won't lose a step with McDonald at the wheel.
"It's only been a couple of days... but it's been really seamless so far," Cummins said on Friday.
"Andrew has been around the team for a couple of years so everyone knows how he operates and what his expectations are - it's been a great couple of days.
"I think as much as anything is just that this Test squad has had a really good Ashes series and we've had a month apart and now we're all just itching to get back together and get stuck in.
"I'm sure JL will be missed. But Andrew has slotted straight in... it's only a couple of days in."
Security concerns surrounding the team in Pakistan mean the players' movements will be significantly limited throughout the three Tests, three ODIs and one T20I of the tour.
Pakistan's pace attack, led by Shaheen Afridi, as well as what are expected to be dry, turning wickets, pose the greatest threat to an Australian win.
Cummins said he looks forward to whatever comes.
"I don't really know what to expect," he said.
"Being so close to India... my expectation is it's going to be quite similar.
"The reality is we won't really be leaving the hotel other than going to the grounds.
"But sometimes on an Indian trip - especially a quick one - that can be quite similar.
"That's probably the closest thing we're expecting is getting over there for an Indian Test series, and it's just going to look and feel slightly different with this the huge amount of security."
The 28-year-old also anticipates having to make some tougher decisions than he did against England.
"[Pakistan] throws up a different challenge to the cricket we've grown up used to playing here in Australia and watching," he said.
"So yeah, there's probably going to be times where I'm gonna have to be more creative.
"Try a few different things, be brave. I'm excited for that - excited for that challenge."
The first Test gets underway in Rawalpindi on Friday, March 4.
