Jake Fraser-McGurk [Source: @ESPNcricinfo/x.com]
The Australian team have announced their squad for the Champions Trophy 2025 on 12th January 2025. One of the most surprising selection calls by Cricket Australia was that they ignored their young starlet, Jake Fraser-McGurk for the tournament.
Just days after being ignored for the Champions Trophy 2025, JFM has set the BBL on fire by scoring 95 runs off just 46 deliveries. In his innings, Fraser-McGurk hit five fours and six huge maximums. In this article, we will take a look at a few reasons why Australia committed a mistake by not including him in the side -
3. The Flat Tracks Of Pakistan
Australia will be playing most of their matches during the tournament in Pakistan. Most of the pitches in Pakistan are flat and favour the batter who can play the balls down the line and on the up. The wickets thus would have favoured Fraser-McGurk's batting style and he could have played a huge role in some of the games for Australia.
2. Condition and Situation Independent Aggression
Jake Fraser-McGurk's aggression does not depend on the playing conditions or the opposition he is playing against. He likes to dominate the bowlers and hence takes the attack to the bowlers from the very beginning of his innings. Australia could have taken JFM to have that impactful batter at the top who could have provided them with impactful stars putting them ahead in the game very early.
1. Would Have Been A Better Selection Over Matthew Short
Australia have selected Matt Short over Fraser-McGurk in the side as he is a spin-bowling all-rounder. However, Matt Short has not been too good in the ODI either with the bat or the ball. In this case, Jake Fraser-McGurk could have been an ideal selection as he could have left an impact on the team in some of the games with his aggressive batting.