T20 World Cup 2024: Jake Fraser-McGurk's Wish Comes True After Being Added in Australia Squad as Reserve

Young batter Jake Fraser-McGurk's wish to at least be part of the Australian T20 World Cup 2024 squad as a reserve came true after he was added as a travelling reserve along with all-rounder Matt Short on Tuesday (May 21).

The 22-year-old Fraser-McGurk showcased an excellent display of explosive batsmanship for Delhi Capitals in his IPL debut season, smashing four half-centuries in nine games at an astronomical strike rate exceeding 234.

He hit 330 runs, including 32 boundaries and 28 maximums, prompting several Australian greats and experts to pitch for his inclusion in the 15-member squad. However, the youngster was omitted from the preliminary squad.

While he was not very disappointed with the omission, the youngster hoped to part of the squad as a reserve and his wish came true. After being overlooked for the World Cup in the West Indies and USA next month, he has been finally included as a travelling reserve.

Australian cricket team coach Andrew McDonald said on Tuesday (May 21) that charismatic young batter Fraser-McGurk and Short have been added as travelling reserves because they bring something different to the table.

"I think they're (Fraser-McGurk and Short) slightly different in what they offer. Fraser is an out-and-out opener and the way we've grown Matthew Short into the team is through the middle order and that spin (bowling) ability as well," McDonald told Sen Radio.

McDonald indicated that Short could come in handy in the event of Glenn Maxwell getting injured as he brings the spin bowling option to his primary skill of batting in the top order, while Fraser-McGurk provides backup to the top order.

"We feel like he's (Short) a spinning all-rounder much like Glenn Maxwell if anything should move there, and obviously Jake Fraser-McGurk is an out-and-out top order player," added McDonald.

Although the head coach acknowleded Fraser-McGurk and Short are exciting players, he added that the two reserves will only be able to play when there is an injury in the squad.

"Both exciting, I think they both add a lot. Those guys sit outside of the 15, the only way they can come onto the selection table is if there was to be an injury, we've got two options there depending on what we lose or what may unfold in terms of injuries," McDonald added.

The coach said that apart from the two players, Australia have several other options as well, should a player in the 15-member squad get injured or indisposed especially in the pace bowling department.

"We've also got some other options in Spencer Johnson, Xavier Bartlett that are playing in the UK as well, so if we were to lose a bowler those guys are up and running in the UK... and they can come in, it's only a short flight into the West Indies from England," McDonald said.

The Australian team is set to fly out for the World Cup on Wednesday (May 22) with Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Travis Head, Maxwell and Cameron Green likely to link up after their IPL commitments.