Following his explosive innings in the Indian Premier League (IPL), former Australian captain Michael Clarke believes that Jake Fraser-McGurk has presented a compelling argument for his inclusion in Australia’s Twenty20 World Cup squad.
Brilliant IPL performance
Fraser-McGurk played amazingly, scoring 84 runs in just 27 balls. He hit 11 fours and six sixes, helping Delhi Capitals reach 257-4 against the strong Mumbai Indians, who have won five times. His fantastic play set up a close 10-run win for his team, who are currently in fifth place, on Saturday.
Fraser-McGurk matched his own record for the fastest IPL fifty this season, achieving the feat in just 15 balls with a massive six. Clarke expressed his desire to witness the 22-year-old participating in the upcoming World Cup in the U.S. and West Indies in June.
With the team selection just a few days away, the selectors must be contemplating his inclusion, Clarke said in the commentary box. Given his outstanding performance thus far, it’s challenging to omit him, to be honest, he added.
I anticipate similar conditions in the Caribbean, with slower wickets requiring additional power in the powerplay. His performance has only strengthened his chances, and I’m eager to see him included in the squad of 15, Clarke mentioned.
Fraser-McGurk, who has yet to debut in T20 international matches, joined Delhi Capitals after South African pace bowler Lungi Ngidi was sidelined. He has capitalized on his opportunities, scoring 247 runs in five matches at an impressive strike rate of 237.50.
Sanjay Manjrekar, former India batsman, exclaimed, He’s smashed 22 sixes and a whopping 220 of his 247 runs have come through boundaries. That’s just mind-blowing, taking T20 batting to a whole new level.
Fraser-McGurk isn’t exactly an unexpected sensation. He showcased his power-hitting prowess last year, notably with a blistering 29-ball century against Tasmania in the Marsh Cup, setting a record for the fastest hundred in one-day cricket.
Even during our net sessions, he stood out with his unique flair, that X-factor, remarked Delhi assistant coach Pravin Amre to reporters.