Australia’s chairman of selectors, George Bailey, has defended the exclusion of explosive batter Jake Fraser-McGurk from the T20 World Cup squad, citing the strong performances of the current top-three batsmen. Bailey acknowledged Fraser-McGurk’s impressive recent performances in the IPL, but emphasized that David Warner, Travis Head, and skipper Mitchell Marsh have been consistent contributors.
Fraser-McGurk, 22, has caught attention with his scintillating batting for the Delhi Capitals, scoring 259 runs in six matches, including a blistering 84 off just 27 balls. However, Bailey explained that the team’s current top-order has been performing well, leaving no room for Fraser-McGurk in the squad.
“The way we’re functioning at the top of the order with the three guys we’ve had, they’ve been really strong,” Bailey said.
Despite the omission, Bailey praised Fraser-McGurk’s potential and eagerness to improve. “The performance he’s putting up are certainly eye-catching. He’s really eager to learn and keep growing his game,” Bailey said. “He’s certainly not someone who thinks he’s got it all made and is the complete package. So I think that’s really exciting going forward.”
Bailey also addressed the injuries to Marsh and Warner, who are both nursing hamstring and bone bruising issues, respectively. He expressed uncertainty about Warner’s return timeline, stating that it would take some time to heal.
Bailey suggested that Matt Short, Spencer Johnson, and Tanveer Sangha are likely to be considered as reserve players.
Meanwhile, Marsh expressed confidence in the team’s depth and preparation for the World Cup. “We have got all bases covered within our team. Heady (Travis Head) and David Warner have been fantastic for us, not only for a long period of time but over the last 18 months, building towards this World Cup,” Marsh said. “We are comfortable that we have got the right 15, to hopefully, take us deep into the World Cup.”
