Australia's cricket team has announced the inclusion of batter Jake Fraser-McGurk and fast bowler Xavier Bartlett for their upcoming three-match ODI series against the West Indies. This call-up comes as a reward for their impressive performances in the 13th season of the Big Bash League (BBL). The selection of these two young players follows the unavailability of Glenn Maxwell and Jhye Richardson, with the former rested by team management and the latter sidelined due to injury. In Pat Cummins' absence, Steve Smith will captain the Australian ODI squad.
Both Fraser-McGurk and Bartlett are poised to make their international debuts in the series, which is set to start on February 2. The matches are scheduled to be held in Melbourne, Sydney, and Canberra. Following a strenuous BBL season, Maxwell is being rested with an eye on his participation in the subsequent T20 series against the West Indies, beginning February 9. This rest period aligns with other key players like Cummins, Mitchell Marsh, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood, all of whom will miss the ODI series against West Indies.
Fraser-McGurk, often hailed as a batting sensation in Australia, has had a stellar domestic season following his transfer from Victoria to South Australia. He gained widespread attention after hitting a record-breaking 29-ball century in the Marsh Cup earlier this season. During the BBL, he tallied 257 runs for the Melbourne Renegades, maintaining an average of 32.12 and a striking rate of 158.64.
Bartlett, replacing Richardson, emerged as a standout performer with the Brisbane Heat in the BBL. He leads as the top wicket-taker in the league, securing 17 wickets in nine matches at an average of 14.82. His effectiveness in both the powerplay and death overs has been noteworthy, setting up an exciting opportunity for him to showcase his skills on the international stage.
Before the ODI series in February, Australia is scheduled to face the West Indies in the second and final Test at The Gabba, following their emphatic 10-wicket victory in the first Test in Adelaide. This series marks a critical phase for the Australian team, introducing new talent and testing their depth in international cricket.
Australia's squad for ODI series vs WI: Steven Smith (C), Sean Abbott, Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Aaron Hardie, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Lance Morris, Matt Short, Adam Zampa.
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