Former Australian opener David Warner believes white-ball successor Jake Fraser-McGurk won’t abandon his all-guns-blazing approach to opening in ODIs despite calls for the rising star to wind down the aggression during the Powerplay.
The 22-year-old was given an opportunity to press his case for Champions Trophy selection during last week’s ODI series against Pakistan, opening alongside Matt Short. However, the right-hander only managed 36 runs at 12.00 across the campaign, copping criticism for his reckless mindset and unusual technique, where he plays away from his body with no footwork.
With Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh expected to return to the ODI starting XI, it remains to be seen whether Fraser-McGurk has done enough to keep his spot.
Speaking on Fox Cricket on Thursday evening, Warner declared that he expected Fraser-McGurk to ignore his critics and continue attacking in the first ten overs.
“We were talking about whether his game plan will change. Well it won’t,” Warner said.
“He’s happy with the way that he approaches the game, (but) he’d like a few more runs.”
However, Australian legend Adam Gilchrist pleaded for Fraser-McGurk to respect the new ball, recalling a piece of advice he received from former opening partner Mark Waugh.
“He’s a better player, he’s more skilful than what he’s allowing himself to showcase,” Gilchrist said.
“I think he’s selling himself a bit short.
“Mark Waugh used to say, ‘Just forget the scorecard for five overs, because if you can bat the other 45 overs, we’re fine.’
“Imagine if he bats 50 overs, or 45 overs. It’s like when (Warner) was batting.
“Just pay a bit of respect to a new ball in a long-version game.
“He’s better than what he’s shown.”
Jake Fraser-McGurk of Australia. Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images
Gilchrist continued: “He’s dynamite, he’s box office.
“I hope someone’s saying to him there’s no shame in maybe backing off a bit. You don’t have to do what everyone expects what you’re going to do
“He probably rode the emotions a little bit.”
Meanwhile, Warner warned that Fraser-McGurk could feel the wrath of national selectors if didn’t start converting his starts into substantial scores.
“If you’re not scoring runs, the solution to that is you’re going to get dropped,” Warner said.
“That method he thinks is going to work for him, but sometimes you might have to tinker with that a little bit if you’re not scoring runs
“I don’t know the answer … but I hope he comes out tonight and proves a lot of people wrong.”
