Ind vs Aus: Ricky Ponting backs Fraser-McGurk to step up in semi-final
Australia faces a crucial selection dilemma ahead of their ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 semi-final clash against India, with Ricky Ponting backing young power-hitter Jake Fraser-McGurk to step up in the absence of Matthew Short.
Short, ruled out with a quadriceps injury sustained in Australia’s group-stage match against Afghanistan, leaves a void at the top of the order. His withdrawal brings traveling reserve Cooper Connolly into the squad, a like-for-like replacement with his explosive batting and useful off-spin. However, Ponting believes Fraser-McGurk’s raw hitting ability could be the game-changing factor in a high-stakes knockout match.
Speaking on The ICC Review, Ponting endorsed the 22-year-old, who has shown glimpses of his destructive potential despite modest returns in international cricket. Fraser-McGurk has played seven ODIs for Australia, boasting a strike rate of 132 but averaging just 14 runs. His best performance remains a 41-run knock, but Ponting sees his fearless approach as an asset in a must-win encounter.
“He can slot straight into that position,” Ponting said. “That’s the way I would go—just hope that he has one of his days. In games like these, you need to throw caution to the wind. If you back him, he might just be good enough to win a big game for you.”
Ponting also considered alternative options, including moving Steve Smith up the order, citing his effectiveness as an opener in T20 cricket. Another possibility is wicketkeeper Josh Inglis opening, keeping Connolly as a left-handed middle-order option who can contribute with spin on Dubai’s turning tracks.
Despite these choices, Ponting is keen on Fraser-McGurk, particularly given his electrifying IPL 2024 campaign, where he maintained a staggering strike rate of 234 across nine innings.
“He probably has been a little disappointed with his output over the last six months,” Ponting admitted. “But this might just be the game where he does something special, like he did in the IPL with Delhi Capitals last season.”
With a place in the final at stake, Australia’s decision on Short’s replacement could prove pivotal in their bid to overcome a formidable Indian side.