Explosive young hitter Jake Fraser-McGurk has been mentored by Maxwell and now has the chance to deputise for him,handed his first Australian call-up as a replacement for Maxwell in the ODI series against the West Indies.
Fraser-McGurk,who broke the world record for the fastest List A century early this season,has maintained his upward curve with a series of impactful innings for the Melbourne Renegades in the Big Bash League.
Current Australian players Pat Cummins,Steve Smith and Nathan Lyon pose with Six and Out members in Adelaide.Credit:Instagram
He also made his first Sheffield Shield century for South Australia during the season,an innings that prompted a congratulatory text message from the selection chair George Bailey.
His elevation to replace Maxwell,who is being rested after a hectic year including hismemorable feats at the ODI World Cup in India,is fitting given that the “Big Show” Maxwell has been one of Fraser-McGurk’s biggest advocates:the two are good friends across the Melbourne Stars/Renegades divide.
“It probably started with him starting to take me under the wing a bit more the last two to three years,” Fraser-McGurk said recently.
“I’ve had a fair bit to do with Maxy. He’s helped me out with numerous things along the way. He still texts me now about things even when I’m not playing for Victoria. He’s put some serious time into me. To give back and put some performances on the board to show it wasn’t all for nothing is very nice.
“You can see the way he plays,he reacts to the ball and does what he wants with it. I don’t think any player in the world can do that. To have someone like that you can go to and get advice from is crucial for me.”
Fraser-McGurk left Victoria during the winter to take up a multi-year deal with South Australia,for whom he has appeared in both white- and red-ball formats.
“I wanted to put as much pressure on bowlers as I can,especially in the longer format,just so I get more balls to score off really,” Fraser-McGurk said in October.
“I’ve committed to that to be the way I play,and the SACA coaches know that,and they’re really happy with the way I’ve been going with that. They’re well and truly on board. So having all that belief and confidence in the coaches and the people around me is massive for when I try to go out there and succeed.”
Just this week he made a rapid half-century in the UAE Twenty20 league after the Renegades missed qualifying for the BBL finals.
“He’s an incredible talent. He reminds me of a very young Glenn Maxwell,” Mike Hussey said on Fox Cricket during the BBL. “Just no fear,doesn’t care what the situation of the game is. Just willing to back himself,take the opposition on.
“I hope he continues playing in that vein. I hope he doesn’t think as he gets older and more experienced,‘I’ve got to play with more responsibility now’.
Loading
“I think he’s at his best when he’s clear,free spirited,just backing his instincts.”
Queensland and Brisbane Heat swing bowler Xavier Bartlett has also been chosen for the series,as a replacement for the injured Jhye Richardson.
“Bartlett replaces the injured Jhye Richardson in the squad while Fraser-McGurk is in for Glenn Maxwell who is being managed ahead of the T20 Series,” a Cricket Australia spokesperson said.
“Fraser-McGurk,21,is highly rated following his breakout BBL and Marsh Cup seasons,including a world record 29-ball one-day century against Tasmania,while Barlett,25,has also had a successful summer with the Heat as the competition’s leading wicket-taker.”
News,results and expert analysis from the weekend of sport sent every Monday.Sign up for our Sport newsletter.