Rawalpindi, May 27 -- Australia head coach Andrew McDonald has urged patience over 19-year-old youngster Ollie Peake ahead of the opening ODI against Pakistan, stressing that he is making a "significant leap" into international cricket.

An ankle injury to Mitchell Marsh has reduced Australia's squad to just 14 available players for the opening ODI in Rawalpindi, with only seven specialist batters in contention if all-rounder Liam Scott is excluded. Scott is also expected to make his ODI debut during the series but is likely to feature in a lower-order role.

Ollie Peake was already in line for a debut during the series, but his chances have now strengthened significantly due to the shortage of top-order options.

Australia may be forced ...