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Jake Fraser-McGurk’s omission from the Australian squad for the T20 World Cup was down to a lack of flexibility, according to chairman of selectors George Bailey.
Fraser-McGurk was overlooked for Australia’s 15-man squad named on Wednesday to travel to the Caribbean, despite his stunning form in the IPL.
In his rookie tournament for the Delhi Capitals, the young star scored three fifties in his first five games, including an incredible 84 off just 27 balls against Mumbai.
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Speaking to media including Wide World of Sports on Wednesday, Bailey admitted Fraser-McGurk was “close” to getting picked for the tournament, but the versatility of other players ultimately cost him selection.
Jake Fraser-McGurk made his international debut in a one-dayer against the West Indies earlier this year. (Getty)
“His form’s been great of late, which is fantastic, but the way we’re functioning at the top of the order with the three guys we’ve had there has been really strong as well,” Bailey said.
“It certainly looks like the top of the order is where he’s best suited.
“We think we’ve got some other guys that have got some good flexibility around where they’ll bat … and we have had players perform in different batting roles to cover off any eventuality.”
Bailey admitted the 22-year-old was “going the right way” to earning selection, and said feedback from those around him at Delhi was positive.
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“In the last three weeks, the performances he’s putting up are certainly eye-catching,” he said.
“We picked him in a couple of the one-dayers across the summer … he’s a young guy who’s really eager to learn.
“The feedback from those he’s been around at Delhi is that he’s really eager to learn and keep growing his game – he’s not someone who thinks he’s got it all made and is the complete package.”
David Warner, Travis Head, Glenn Maxwell and Mitchell Marsh will likely make up the top of the batting order when the Aussies begin their tournament against Oman on June 6.
Bailey said Fraser-McGurk wasn’t considered to play a finishing role in the middle-order.
Fraser-McGurk smacked 84 off just 27 balls for the Delhi Capitals against Mumbai in the IPL. (AP)
Although Australia can make alterations to the squad without ICC approval up to May 25, Bailey said Fraser-McGurk would likely need an injury to a top-order batter to find his way into the squad.
Ironically, it was a hand injury that kept Warner out of the Capitals’ side for the clash against Mumbai that gave Fraser-McGurk his chance at the top of the order. He took it with both hands and blasted 84 from 27.
Bailey said selectors had “no concerns” about including Warner in the squad, for what will be his final tournament in international cricket.
“It’s been cleared that there’s no break, but it’s still causing him a fair bit of discomfort so we’ll obviously monitor that,” he said.
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“Hopefully he can get back and play a couple more games in the IPL to finish off … it’s just some deep-seeded bone bruising that’s going to take a little bit of time.”
In other injury news, Bailey said Mitch Marsh will shortly return to batting, but admitted he’s still some time away from bowling.
Another Capitals player, the newly-appointed skipper suffered a partial hamstring tear last week and was immediately ruled out of the remainder of the tournament and flown home to begin his road to recovery.
The USA and Canada will play the tournament-opener in Dallas on June 2 (AEST).
