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Jake Fraser-McGurk Dropped; Australia's Probable Playing XI For 1st T20I vs Pakistan

Jake Fraser-McGurk failed to fire in ODI series [Source: @FoxCricket/X]Jake Fraser-McGurk failed to fire in ODI series [Source: @FoxCricket/X]

After suffering a heartbreaking series defeat in the ODI leg, Australia are gearing up for the three-match T20I series against Pakistan on home soil. In the absence of regular skipper Pat Cummins, keeper-batter Josh Inglis will lead the home side in this high-voltage series. 

With Australia's several Border-Gavaskar Trophy-bound players missing the T20I leg, Australia will heavily rely on the experienced duo of Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis for a turnaround in this series. The onus will also be on Tim David, Nathan Ellis and Adam Zampa, who have the luxury of international experience unlike most of their teammates. 

So, as the hosts prepare for the high-voltage opening encounter in Brisbane, let's analyse and find out what their probable playing XI for the first T20I.

Will Australia Drop Jake Fraser-McGurk?

Before finding a suitable playing XI for the home side, it's necessary to throw light on the worrisome batting form of explosive opening batter Jake Fraser-McGurk. The swashbuckling right-hander, who was fast-tracked to Australia's white-ball setup following his exploits in the IPL 2024, has failed to replicate a similar success in T20Is, managing only 66 runs at an average of 16.50. 

Although he slammed a blistering half-century in his last T20I outing against England, Fraser-McGurk's technical flaws were exploited by Pakistan's in-form fast bowlers in the ODI leg. So, given that they have a quality alternative opening option in Josh Philippe, the hosts might consider replacing Fraser-McGurk with the right-handed batter in this game. 

However, as it's the first game of the series, it won't be surprising if the Australian think tank gives Fraser-McGurk another chance before taking a call on his T20I future. 

Inglis To Form Aussie Core With Zampa, Maxwell And Stoinis

Among others, stand-in skipper Josh Inglis will spearhead the Australian batting unit along with the experienced trio of Maxwell, Stoinis and Tim David. Spin-bowling all-rounder Matthew Short will be pivotal at the top order, with Aaron Hardie batting at number three. 

Regarding Australia's bowling department, the lethal fast bowling duo of Spencer Johnson and Xavier Bartlett might pose a serious threat to the Pakistani batting unit. They play for Brisbane Heat in the BBL and have the expertise in utilising the seam-friendly conditions at the Gabba. Meanwhile, Adam Zampa will lead Australia's spin attack, with Nathan Ellis likely to play as the slog overs specialist. 

Australia's Probable Playing XI For 1st T20I vs Pakistan

Jake Fraser-McGurk/Josh Philippe, Matthew Short, Aaron Hardie, Josh Inglis (WK), Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Tim David, Xavier Bartlett, Adam Zampa, Nathan Ellis, Spencer Johnson