In an exciting turn of events for Australian cricket fans, dynamic young batter Jake Fraser-McGurk and uncapped pace bowler Xavier Bartlett have received their maiden international call-ups to join Australia’s ODI squad for the upcoming Dettol series against the West Indies.
The news comes as Jhye Richardson is sidelined due to injury and Glenn Maxwell has taken a sabbatical before the T20Is against the West Indies and New Zealand, being “managed” in the interim.
Hailed as one of the nation’s most promising batting prospects, Fraser-McGurk has been drawing attention with his outstanding domestic circuit exploits.
The 19-year-old displayed his blazing batting ability in the Marsh Cup by blasting a 29-ball century, setting a world record.
Fraser-McGurk, who relocated from Victoria to South Australia, also made history by scoring his first-ever century in a first-class match against his old team and playing a standout game for the Melbourne Renegades in the Big Bash League (BBL). He just made his ILT20 debut for the Dubai Capitals and showed off his skills with a blistering 54 off 25 balls.
In terms of bowling, Bartlett has earned a berth on the ODI team. He was the top wicket-taker for the Brisbane Heat in the BBL this season. With his lightning-fast outswing, Bartlett has been an invaluable asset to the Heat, taking big wickets during powerplays and contributing significantly towards the end of the game.
Steve Smith, who has experience guiding the ODI team, takes over for Maxwell now that he’s rested and Richardson is out. Beginning on February 2, the three-match ODI series is expected to provide Fraser-McGurk and Bartlett with an opportunity to establish themselves internationally.
Cricket fans can see Australia play the West Indies in their second and last Test match at The Gabba on January 25 before the ODIs. Australia hopes to keep winning against the West Indies after winning the first Test by a commanding 10-wicket margin in Adelaide.
Australia’s ODI squad for the WI ODI: Steven Smith (C), Sean Abbott, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Aaron Hardie, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Lance Morris, Matt Short, and Adam Zampa, in addition to the debutants Fraser-McGurk and Bartlett.