Jake Fraser-McGurk reveals act from David Warner after axing from Australia's ODI team
The young Aussie talent made the reveal after his brutal snub from the Aussie team.
Batting prodigy Jake Fraser-McGurk has revealed David Warner's mentorship has helped him throughout his BBL form slump after the 22-year-old was dropped from the national ODI squad for the Champions Trophy. Fraser-McGurk was sensational in the 2024 IPL season having taken the T20 format by storm for the Delhi Capitals.
Fraser-McGurk blasted 330 runs in nine matches under coach and Aussie great Ricky Ponting as he cemented his position as a future prospect. His form earned him a call-up to the Aussie T20 and ODI sides in 2024.
Despite plaudits from Ponting and other greats, the 22-year-old struggled to back-up his form in the international arena. His form in the latest BBL campaign has also dipped.
The man nicknamed "Rooster" has a top score for the Melbourne Renegades in the 2024/25 BBL campaign of just 26 and he has been out for nine or less on five occasions. On Tuesday night, he was run out for seven runs. And his recent slump saw him snubbed from next month's Champions Trophy.
"It is a little bit disappointing, the Renegades have put a lot of faith in me this year. To not really give back is disappointing," he said on Channel 7 during the Renegades' loss to the Hobart Hurricanes on Tuesday.
While the national squad has caused debate with the likes of Marcus Stoinis receiving a call-up at 35 years old, despite his poor form in the international arena, Fraser-McGurk has remained in good spirits. And the youngster spoke to Aaron Finch and the Channel 7 commentary team about the pressure he has faced since emerging as one of Australia's top talents.
And the 22-year-old praised the likes of retired Aussie star Warner for helping him through the form slump. "I probably have maybe two or three people...David Warner. He is always checking in. And my friends and family to go through if I need," he said on who he can turn to for mentoring.
"It's not something I haven't experienced before...but this is sort of a new level. More people are watching and more people are as disappointed as I am with how my form has been. It is obviously tough, 22 years old, and copping it a fair bit from everywhere."
An interesting, extensive chat with Jake Fraser-McGurk in the field, featuring:
- his disappointment in his lean run with the bat
- the advice he's received from his mentors, including David Warner
- how he's dealt with the pressure to perform#BBL14 pic.twitter.com/pAmNH1q445— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) January 14, 2025
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While Fraser-McGurk is battling through a dip in form, his former IPL coach Ponting offered the 22-year-old some advice. The legendary Aussie cricketer claimed the Renegades opener needed to focus on his technique and slowing things down, rather than going out and trying to whack the cover off the ball.
"Eighty per cent (swing) is enough. That's enough for any of these modern players," Ponting said on Channel 7 as Fraser-McGurk got out against the Scorchers on the weekend. "I don't care what ground you're playing on... swing at 80 per cent and keep your shape and therefore hit more balls in the middle of the bat.
"If you go 110 per cent at the first tee (in golf), you're much more likely to miss the middle of the club face. He (Fraser-McGurk) has got all the hand-eye coordination in the world and I'd just like to see him stand still and react and hit the ball where it’s supposed to go."
While the 22-year-old may have been dropped form the Aussie squad, chief selector George Bailey claimed Fraser-McGurk was still on their radar. “As far as Jake goes, I think he’s still very young," Bailey said. "We know that’s going to be a journey. The skill set is still incredibly exciting."