Jake Fraser-McGurk smashes third IPL half-century after missing Australian T20 World Cup squad

Australian coach Andrew McDonald says selectors opted for experience in the T20 World Cup squad but another blistering half-century, including 28 runs in one over, from Jake Fraser-McGurk in the IPL was more evidence that he could have been a weapon if picked.

The 22-year-old continued a stunning run of form for the Delhi Capitals, smashing three sixes and seven fours in his 20-ball innings of 50 that only lasted 24 minutes.

He took a mammoth 28 runs off the fourth over, swatting four fours and two sixes off Avesh Khan, once again showing his capacity to take down bowling attacks with his attack-at-all-costs mentality.

He was out next-ball but the damage was done, earning praise from Delhi coach Ricky Ponting after scoring a fourth half-century in seven IPL innings.

“He hasn’t surprised me with what he’s done,” Ponting said.

“I had a good look at him in the BBL and knew what he was capable of.”

Fraser-McGurk now has 309 runs in just seven innings for the Delhi Capitals, who posted 8-221 to beat the Rajasthan Royals by 20 runs.

Australian selectors can make changes to the 15-man World Cup squad and with David Warner battling a finger injury, Fraser-McGurk, who has taken the veteran’s place at the top of the order for the Delhi Capitals, looms as an option.

Defending the non-selection of Fraser-McGurk, instead picking 37-year-old Warner despite his finger issue, McDonald said selectors chose players who have “ been there and done that”.

“We feel as though in the last four months, in particular in the white-ball space, we’ve given plenty of opportunities to other players,” McDonald said.

“Have we gone back to the tried and tested in terms of World Cups and performers that we know can poor perform on that stage? There’s no doubt about that.

“It’s players who have been there before and done it and are still in good form. You look at David Warner in the last 15 games for Australia. His record is outstanding.”

In the wake of his non-selection, Fraser-McGurk this week conceded he had not yet earnt the right to play in a World Cup.

“It didn’t really bother me a hell of a lot because I wasn’t in this position to … feel like I’ve earned that yet,” Fraser-McGurk told the Willow Talk podcast.

“World Cup cricket is a lot different to IPL and franchise cricket.”