Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting reckoned that Jake Fraser-McGurk should be included in the playing XI for the Champions Trophy semi-final against India. Opener Matthew Short was ruled out of the clash after picking up an injury in the clash against Afghanistan. While Cooper Connolly, who was the traveling reserve, has been named Short’s replacement, Ponting is in favour of giving McGurk an opportunity instead.
Ponting wants McGurk to replicate IPL heroics in CT 2025 semis
Speaking to ICC Review, Ponting opined that Jake could slot straight into the opener’s position in the CT 2025 semi-final against India. He said that the opener was that sort of player who could win matches for the team if given an opportunity and backed.
“He probably has been a little bit disappointed with his output in the opportunities that he’s had in the last six months. So this might just be the game where he can do something…like he did in the IPL with the Delhi Capitals last season,” Ponting said.
Latest news
- CSK vs SRH: Virtual knockout on the cards as both teams fight to stay alive in IPL 2025 playoff race
- Why Rishabh Pant’s form is a sign of worry for India’s Test chances in England
- CSK vs SRH today’s IPL 2025 match Toss Time & Live Streaming details
“To be honest, that’s the way I would probably go and just hope that he has one of his days because in games like these, the semi-finals, must-win, big games, you need to throw caution to the wind. I think he’s the sort of player that if you back him, and give him an opportunity, he might just be good enough to win a big game for you like that,” Ponting added.
McGurk hasn’t fired in ODIs yet. In seven matches, he has only managed to score 98 runs, with a top score of 41. In his last two ODIs (SL vs AUS), the opener could only make single-digit scores before being sent packing. It will be interesting to see if Australia pick JFM or go with Connolly as an extra spinner, given the spin-friendly surface in Dubai.
