May 2nd 2024.
Mitchell Marsh, the recently-appointed captain of the T20I team, has shed light on the decision to exclude Jake Fraser-McGurk from the 15-man squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup. According to Marsh, the Australian squad is well-rounded and the current openers, Travis Head and David Warner, have been performing exceptionally well in the last 18 months, making them the preferred choice for the prestigious event.
The 2021 T20 World Cup champions announced their squad on Wednesday, and the omission of Fraser-McGurk and former skipper Steve Smith from the 15-player group came as a surprise to many. Fraser-McGurk has been in top form for the Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League, scoring three half-centuries so far. There is a strong belief that the talented right-hander has showcased his skills enough to earn a spot in the T20 World Cup squad for the Caribbean and USA leg, which begins on June 1.
"Jakey is an exceptional talent. He has taken the IPL by storm and his teammates are absolutely loving him. The Delhi crew is thoroughly enjoying his presence and the energy he brings to the team. There's no doubt that he has a bright future ahead of him, no matter where he plays," Marsh shared on a popular Australian radio station.
Fraser-McGurk has amassed 259 runs in the ongoing IPL season, smashing 23 sixes in just six innings for DC and ranking sixth overall for the most maximums in the tournament. Marsh, however, believes that the current squad has all the necessary skills and abilities to excel in the T20 World Cup. "We feel like we have all our bases covered within the team. Travis Head and David Warner have been fantastic for us, not just in the recent past but over the last 18 months, leading up to this World Cup. We are confident that we have the right 15 players to take us far in the tournament," he stated.
When asked about the possibility of Fraser-McGurk making it to Australia's white-ball squads immediately after the T20 World Cup, Marsh responded with a resounding "Oh, yeah, no doubt." He went on to add, "He has shown tremendous growth in a short span of time. We have identified his immense talent from a young age and he gave us a glimpse of it during the Big Bash this year. The IPL is a tough tournament and he has not shied away from the challenge. His fearless approach to the game is what sets him apart. He has a bright and exciting future ahead of him."
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