Australian batting sensation Jake Fraser-McGurk has sent a brutally blunt statement to T20I selectors, bludgeoning a blistering IPL innings that left commentators and fans in awe.
Fraser-McGurk on Saturday produced his third – and best – half-century for the Delhi Capitals yet, smashing 84 runs off just 27 balls in an innings that included 11 fours and six sixes.
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The 22-year-old was seemingly eyeing off Chris Gayle’s record for the fastest ever IPL century (off 30 balls), but was caught at deep mid-wicket 16 runs short.
He reached his 50 off just 15 balls – the equal second quickest half-century by an Australian in T20 cricket.
“This guy is something else. His name is JFM,” commentator Sanjay Manjrekar said.
“We’ve got a sensation from Australia. He’s young and he’s very different.
“He thinks ‘maximum’ every ball … and lets his bat do the talking. It’s all hand-eye coordination.”
Fraser-McGurk’s heroics with the bat come amid Delhi teammate and fellow opener David Warner’s IPL struggles, with the veteran dropped this month by the Capitals.
Fraser-McGurk’s first two IPL half-centuries – 55 against the Lucknow Super Giants and 65 against the Sunrisers Hyderabad – came batting at No. 3.
But the Victorian played with incredible presence, power and authority opening the innings on Saturday
“I also feel there’s a method to his stroke play,” former West Indies opener Daren Ganga said in commentary.
“He’s not ad hoc in the way he plans his innings, he usually aims to hit down the ground … and if the length is short he goes square.
“He uses solid cricket fundamentals to score runs and boundaries at will. So impressive to watch.
“A sledgehammer innings.”
Fraser-McGurk said it was pleasing to set the tone for his side.
“That’s my role: go out there and try and score as many in the first six (overs) – and if I go on with it, I go on with it,” Fraser-McGurk said post-innings.
“Trying to get the team off to a nice start, so it was good I was able to do that today.
“I feel like it’s something I’ve always had, just getting that base right.
“That took me a few years to develop and having the right stance for me, so just trying to stay as still as possible.”
After a strong 257-run BBL campaign for the Renegades, Fraser-McGurk was called into the Australia squad for the first time last summer and played two ODIs against the West Indies.
But fans and commentators believe he must be included in Australia’s squad for the T20 World Cup in a few months.
Originally published as Aussie sensation Jake Fraser-McGurk breaks records, sends message
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