Jake Fraser-McGurk, widely regarded as the most talented young batter in Australia, is tipped to make his debut at the senior level after being named in the ODI squad for the upcoming series against West Indies. Glenn Maxwell has been rested for the series and that has opened up a spot for Fraser-McGurk whose rise has been rapid in recent months. The veteran allrounder is expected to return for the T20Is.
The 21-year-old made headlines last October when he smashed the record for the fastest List A ton when he hit a 29-ball hundred playing for South Australia. In the BBL this season, Fraser-McGurk scored 257 runs at an impressive strike rate of 158.64. His meteoric rise saw him get picked in the ILT20 to play for Dubai Capitals where he hit a 25-ball 54 on debut.
Apart from Fraser-McGurk, Australia have also picked pacer Xavier Bartlett for the three-match series. Bartlett, the leading wicket-taker in BBL this season, has been impressive with the new ball and at the death as well. With Jhye Richardson injured again, Bartlett has been picked in the squad that already doesn’t feature first-choice pacers.
The three-match series kicks off on February 2 at the MCG with the next two ODIs scheduled to be held at the SCG and at the Manuka Oval in Canberra. Steve Smith will lead Australia in the series.