T20 World Cup 2024: Jake Fraser-McGurk to be axed despite IPL success as Australia select WC squad - Reports
Updated - 29 Apr 2024, 04:45 PM
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Young Australian batter Jake Fraser-McGurk has grabbed attention with his fearless approach for the Delhi Capitals (DC) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. However, Jake Fraser-McGurk would face tough competition from national teammates for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024.
Jake Fraser-McGurk was signed as a replacement for South African pacer Lungi Ngidi before the start of the ongoing tournament. The young batter didn't get an opportunity in the first five matches of the season. He was included in the playing XI when Mitchell Marsh suffered an injury.
The 22-year-old batter made his debut against the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). The right-handed batter scored 55 runs off 35 balls, including two boundaries and five sixes. He has scored 247 runs at an impressive average of 49.40 and an outstanding strike rate of 237.50, including three fifties.
The Australian cricketer managed to score fifty in 15 balls or fewer twice in just five games in the ongoing T20 tournament. He scored 84 off 27 balls, with the help of 11 boundaries and six maximums. He smashed ace fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah for 18 runs in his first over of the match.
Jake Fraser-McGurk Dropped From Australia's World Cup Squad
Jake Fraser-McGurk likely to miss out in Australia's T20 World Cup squad. (Code Sports). pic.twitter.com/bRF23GHDCW
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) April 29, 2024
Fraser-McGurk has yet to debut for Australia in T20I cricket. He has played two ODIs, scoring 51 at an average of 25.50 and an exceptional strike rate of 221.74. With Warner, Travis Head, and Mitchell Marsh at the top of the order, Fraser-McGurk is unlikely to secure a place in the World Cup squad.
The middle order of the Australian cricket team appears to be well-settled with Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Tim David, and Matthew Wade. Josh Inglis, serving as the backup wicketkeeper, and all-rounder Cameron Green are also in contention for the tournament in June this year.
To accommodate Fraser-McGurk in the final 15, selectors may need to forgo an additional wicketkeeper or spinner. However, the logistics of flying in replacements from halfway across the globe in case of injury pose a more significant challenge this time.
Selectors Have To Be Thinking About Him - Michael Clarke
“The selectors have to be thinking about him now, with the team just a few days away from being selected. It’s hard to leave him out to be honest, the way he’s played so far,” Michael Clarke said last week.
"I imagine conditions will be pretty similar in the Caribbean, slower wickets with that extra power in the Powerplay needed. He’s done his chances no harm, and I’d love to see him in that squad,” he added.
Australia's World Cup Schedule
| Date | Matchup | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| June 6 | Australia vs Oman | Kensington Oval, Barbados |
| June 9 | Australia vs England | Kensington Oval, Barbados |
| June 12 | Australia vs Namibia | Sir Viv Richards Stadium, Antigua |
| June 16 | Australia vs Scotland | Daren Sammy Stadium, St Lucia |
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ICC T20 World Cup 2024 Australia National Cricket Team Jake Fraser-McGurk
