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‘No pressure’ on dynamo after Scottish flop

Australia's Jake Fraser-McGurk doesn’t have to prove anything, his captain says. Picture: Andy Buchanan / AFP
Australia's Jake Fraser-McGurk doesn’t have to prove anything, his captain says. Picture: Andy Buchanan / AFP

Australian captain Mitch Marsh has dismissed any concern over batting dynamo Jake Fraser-McGurk’s stuttering start to his international T20 career, adamant he doesn’t have to “prove to anyone” he’s good enough to play.

Nominated early as David Warner’s replacement at the top of the order, after blitzing the Indian Premier League but missing World Cup selection, Fraser-McGurk managed only 16 runs in his first series against Scotland.

The 22-year-old burst onto the international scene when he smoked an 18-ball 41 against the West Indies in February in just his second ODI.

But given his chance in Scotland, Fraser-McGurk, who has a licence to go big from the opening ball, made two ducks as the Australians powered to three comprehensive wins.

Marsh though said there was no pressure on Fraser-McGurk going into a T20 series against England, and then five ODIs against England, despite the addition of powerhouse white-ball batter Matt Short, who missed the Scotland series.

“We know he’s an exciting talent and he’s got a big future,” Marsh said of Fraser-McGurk ahead of the opening T20 in Southampton.

“I love what he’s brought to our team, both on and off the field so far. He’s a ripping young kid and he’s going to learn a lot by being around this environment.

Jake Fraser-McGurk struggled in Scotland. Picture: Andy Buchanan / AFP)
Jake Fraser-McGurk struggled in Scotland. Picture: Andy Buchanan / AFP)

“From our end and from within our team environment, there’s no pressure on Jake to do anything.

“He doesn’t need to prove to anyone that he’s good enough at this level.

“He’s picked here for a reason, and international cricket is hard enough without putting pressure on people, so we want him to enjoy it, learn as much as he can and take every opportunity in his stride.”

Short could come in to open with Travis Head as Australia look to build the pest partnerships towards the next World Cup in India and Sri Lanka in 2026.

Marsh confirmed selectors see Short as a top-order option, having had outstanding success for Adelaide Strikers over the past three seasons and also in English conditions for Northern Superchargers in this year’s Hundred.

“If he plays, it’ll be at the top of the order,” Marsh said.

“He’s had an incredible 18 months, and we see him as a really talented cricketer, so it’s exciting to have him back.”

Marsh didn’t bowl at all against Scotland and suggested he wasn’t planning on getting involved with the ball against England either.

“I don’t tend to bowl myself too much is the honest answer,” the 32-year-old said.

“We’re lucky that we’ve got plenty of bowling options within our team; my bowling is online, whether I bowl or not, we’ll wait and see.

“It’s been a real trend of all T20 teams over the last little period of time is the more options you can have as a captain and as a team, it’s really beneficial bouncing in and out of different bowling options.

“So the more we can develop our young all-rounders and give guys like Aaron Hardie and Cameron Green more opportunity at this level, the better it will be for us.”