Aussie bolter's IPL blitz sends scary World Cup message

Jake Fraser-McGurk’s sensational IPL form has continued, belting 84 off just 27 for the Delhi Capitals in their 10-run win over the Mumbai Indians on Saturday evening (AEST).

Fraser-McGurk dismantled the Indians’ bowling attack, which included Test quicks Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya.

Having batted at No.3 earlier in the tournament, ‘JFM’ was promoted to the top of the order after a finger injury forced David Warner out of the side.

It was the Aussie’s third 50 of the competition, and included 11 boundaries and six sixes. His half-century came off just 15 balls, equal second-quickest by an Aussie in T20 cricket.

He was threatening Chris Gayle’s IPL record 30-ball century set back in 2013 when he holed out to deep mid-wicket off the bowling of spinner Piyush Chawla.

In commentary, former Australian Test captain Michael Clarke said it would be difficult for selectors to leave the 22-year-old out of the squad for the T20 World Cup, where Australia will play in the Caribbean.

“The selectors have to be thinking about him now, with the team just a few days away from being selected. It’s hard to leave him out to be honest, the way he’s played so far,” he said.

“I imagine conditions will be pretty similar in the Caribbean, slower wickets with that extra power in the Powerplay needed.