Australia Name Fraser-McGurk, Matt Short as T20 World Cup Reserves

Melbourne – Australia has announced Jake Fraser-McGurk and Matthew Short as reserves for their T20 World Cup squad, travelling to the Caribbean and the USA. The 15-man team and travelling reserves have been finalized, bringing excitement and anticipation for the upcoming tournament.

Fraser-McGurk has made a significant impact recently, showcasing his remarkable ability to strike the ball. In nine games for the Delhi Capitals, he has scored four half-centuries, accumulating 330 runs at an astounding strike rate of 234.04, with 32 boundaries and 28 sixes.

“You look at Jake’s form in the IPL – he took that by storm and he was a serious consideration for the final 15,” coach Andrew McDonald told cricket.com.au. “And so was Matthew Short. His BBL form has been outstanding over a long period and he’s shown glimpses at the international level as well, albeit at times he’s had to play a different role.”

McDonald emphasized the versatility needed at the international level: “When you’re on the fringes potentially you’re going to have to play different roles at different times and he’s embraced some middle-order opportunities. We know that he’s best suited at the top of the order – and it’s probably similar for Jake as well – hence why they haven’t been picked in the initial 15. But should anything move, we feel as though both of them could have the flexibility to line up anywhere in that batting order.”

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The absence of Fraser-McGurk in the initial squad was a notable surprise, especially after his impressive IPL campaign. His dynamic performance nearly secured him a spot in the 15-man squad, confirmed by Cricket Australia ahead of the ICC’s May 25 deadline. However, the strength of the top order featuring David Warner, Travis Head, and Mitch Marsh led to his selection as a reserve.

Cricket Australia announced that players and staff will arrive in the West Indies in stages. Those participating in the Indian Premier League will have some time at home before joining the group. Key players like Pat Cummins, Travis Head, Mitchell Starc, Cameron Green, and Glenn Maxwell will join the team in Barbados ahead of Australia’s tournament opener against Oman on June 5.

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The Australian squad will fly to the Caribbean on Thursday for a training camp in Trinidad, including two practice matches against Namibia and West Indies on May 28 and 30, respectively.

Australia’s T20 World Cup campaign kicks off against Oman in Barbados on June 5, followed by Group B fixtures against England, Namibia, and Scotland.

Australia Squad: Mitchell Marsh (c), Ashton Agar, Pat Cummins, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Wade, David Warner, Adam Zampa

Travelling Reserves: Jake Fraser-McGurk, Matt Short