DC star and PBKS star called up to strengthen T20i squad against West Indies

Australia have called back their star opener Jake Fraser-McGurk and fast bowler Xavier Bartlett for the five-match T20I series against the West Indies. The two players, who were not part of the original 16-member squad, have been included as replacements for Spencer Johnson (due to a back injury) and Josh Hazlewood (due to workload management).

Fraser-McGurk, who is also popular in the IPL for playing with the Delhi Capitals, recently missed out on a central contract. He will now be keen to perform well and restart his international career in the Caribbean. On the other hand, Bartlett, the PBKS star, joins the squad as Hazlewood returns home to prepare for next month’s series against South Africa.

Fraser-McGurk Struggles with Form, Bartlett Impresses

Fraser-McGurk, who averages 16.14 in T20Is and 14.00 in ODIs, started his recent Major League Cricket journey with the San Francisco Unicorns on a strong note. He scored half-centuries against New York and Los Angeles. However, after that, the right-handed batter failed to keep up the momentum, posting low scores of 34, 3, 35, 3, 0, and 4.

On the other hand, Xavier Bartlett has performed well in his short international career. In just nine matches, he has taken 22 wickets and impressed with his outswing bowling and great control with the new ball.

Australia Aims to Keep Winning Form

The first T20I between West Indies and Australia will take place at Sabina Park, Kingston on Monday, July 12. Australia have been in good T20I form recently, winning 12 of their last 14 matches. With the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup coming up next year in India and Sri Lanka, the team will look to continue this winning streak.

Mitchell Marsh, who is in great form, will lead the team. Senior players like Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Travis Head will return home after playing in the Test series win over the West Indies.

The five T20Is will be played from July 21 to July 29, with two matches in Kingston and three in Basseterre.

Australia’s T20I Squad vs West Indies:

Mitchell Marsh (Captain), Sean Abbott, Cooper Connolly, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Aaron Hardie, Xavier Bartlett, Josh Inglis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Matt Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Mitch Owen, Matthew Short, Adam Zampa