Young IPL sensation Jake Fraser-McGurk has been named as a reserve for Australia’s Twenty20 World Cup squad as cover for David Warner, who has bone bruising in his left hand.
In his last international campaign for Australia, Warner goes into next month’s tournament in the West Indies and USA with a modest IPL behind him.
The veteran left-hander scored 168 runs in eight matches for Ricky Ponting’s Delhi Capitals at an average of 21 and a strike rate of 34 before being ruled out for the remainder of the tournament with injury.
This contrasts with Fraser-McGurk, who had the best strike rate in the IPL of any regular batsman – 234.
The 22-year-old was given his chance with the Capitals after Australia’s T20 captain Mitchell Marsh was sent home after four matches with a hamstring injury.
McGurk scored 330 runs in nine matches at an average of 37 with four half-centuries.
Jake Fraser-McGurk has been on fire with the bat for Delhi Capitals in the IPL.Credit: AP
The only Australians who managed more runs in the IPL were the explosive Travis Head, who finished as the tournament’s third-highest run scorer with 533 at 48 and a strike rate of 201, while Marcus Stoins made 388 at 32 with a strike rate of 148.
Head was a major reason why Sunrisers Hyderabad, captained by Pat Cummins, finished second in the IPL and are playing in the finals. Cummins was Australia’s leading bowler in India with 15 wickets at an average of 32 and economy rate of nine.
Matthew Wade kept his place in the squad despite managing just two games for the Gujarat Titans and playing just one innings for four runs. He will be under pressure from Josh Inglis, who replaced Alex Carey in Australia’s 50-over side last year during the World Cup.
Wade keeps out dual Big Bash Player of the Year Matt Short, who has been chosen as Australia’s second reserve player.
Australia’s squad will have a staggered arrival in the West Indies, giving some who have played in the IPL time at home before joining their teammates.
“As the tournament proceeds, the short turnaround between fixtures makes it challenging to get players in at short notice in the event of injury,” chair of selectors George Bailey said. “Matt provides the squad with an all-round skillset option, while Jake provides further batting cover.
“Both players have exciting talents that can add to the squad if needed. If not, the experience will still be valuable in their respective development journeys at international level.”
