Jake Fraser-McGurk, who was controversially left off of Australia’s first Twenty20 World Cup roster, has been added as a reserve to go to the US and the West Indies next month.
Fraser-McGurk and Matthew Short, the BBL player of the year, will be included on the 15-man roster for the competition’s first legs, which begin on June 1.
They will join the team as possible injury replacements. According to Cricket Australia, the team would go to the West Indies gradually so that staff and players can return home for a little vacation following their participation in the Indian Premier League (IPL) season.
“Matt and Jake made compelling cases for initial selection with their respective performances for Australia last summer and, in Jake’s case, more recently in the IPL,” George Bailey, selectors chair, said.
As the tournament goes on, it becomes more difficult to get players in on short notice in the event of an injury due to the short turnaround times between matches.
“Jake offers additional batting cover, while Matt gives the team an all-around skill set alternative.
Both players are exciting talents who can strengthen the team when called upon. If not, the experience will still be beneficial to them as they pursue their individual global development goals.”
The 22-year-old Fraser McGurk led the Delhi Capitals to a top score of 84 off just 27 balls, four half-centuries, and an overall strike rate of 234, the highest in the tournament for players with more than five innings. Despite this, his team was not able to advance to the IPL play-offs due to net run rate.
The Sunrisers Hyderabad, led by Pat Cummins and Travis Head, and the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, led by Glenn Maxwell and Cameron Green, are in the play-offs. The championship game is scheduled for May 27.
