Australia batter Jake Fraser-McGurk, one of the most explosive young T20 batters, set the stage alight with a bidding war that ended with Delhi Capitals (DC) successfully using their Right to Match (RTM) card for Rs 9 crore in the IPL 2025 Auction at the Abadi Al Johar Arena in Jeddah on Sunday. Fraser-McGurk, who had made his IPL debut in 2024, was initially set at Rs 2 crore, but the bidding quickly heated up. DC, eager to bring the 21-year-old back, initiated the bidding, but Punjab Kings (PBKS) were also keen to secure the dynamic Aussie.

Punjab Kings (PBKS) led by their head coach Ricky Ponting, who is known to rate Fraser-McGurk highly, upped the ante, taking the bid to Rs 5 crore. LSG, ever active in the auction, entered the fray, and the three teams – DC, PBKS, and LSG – battled it out in what became a captivating contest.

As the bid soared, PBKS continued to outbid their competitors, pushing the price to Rs 9 crore. At this stage, it seemed like PBKS had won the race for Fraser-McGurk. However, the DC camp was not ready to give up their man that easily.

Just as it looked like Fraser-McGurk was off to PBKS, DC exercised their RTM, matching the Rs 9 crore bid to secure the services of the 22-year-old batter.

Fraser-McGurk, who has already impressed with his attacking style of play, made an instant impact with his debut in the IPL 2024 season. In nine matches, he scored 330 runs at an impressive average of 36.67, with four half-centuries and a career-high score of 84 runs. He also showcased his power-hitting abilities, with 32 fours and 28 sixes to his name.

The Australian cricketer first grabbed headlines in 2023 when he smashed the fastest hundred in professional cricket, a record-breaking 29-ball century for South Australia against Tasmania in the Marsh Cup. This remarkable feat made him one of the most talked-about young talents in world cricket.

In another purchase, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) secured the services of IPL 2024 Purple Cap winner, Harshal Patel for Rs 8 crore. It all started with the base price set at Rs 2 crore. Two teams, SRH and Gujarat Titans (GT), quickly emerged as the frontrunners. SRH, always looking for that crucial match-winner in the bowling department, fought hard to bring Harshal back into their fold.

Meanwhile, Gujarat Titans, with their aggressive approach, raised the stakes, pushing the price to Rs 5 crore. SRH wasn’t ready to back down as they raised the bid to Rs 6 crore. The battle reached its peak as SRH raised their bid to Rs 6.75 crore, forcing GT to pull back.

But the bidding war wasn’t over. Punjab Kings, sitting quietly in the background, used their Right to Match (RTM) card, making it clear they were ready to lock down the bowler for their squad. The competition was fierce, but SRH wasn’t ready to lose Harshal Patel to anyone. They raised their bid to an impressive Rs 8 crore, and Punjab Kings happily came out of the race.

The seasoned bowler had already proven his worth in the IPL. Making his debut in 2012, he had become a regular in the league, with 135 wickets in 105 matches. His performance in IPL 2024 was nothing short of spectacular, finishing as the top wicket-taker with 24 wickets in 14 matches with an economy rate of 9.73.

Australia vs Pakistan Live Streaming 3rd T20I Live Telecast: Where To Watch© AFP

Saim Ayub hit 42 and Abdullah Shafique 37 as Pakistan raced to a commanding eight-wicket victory and their first one-day series win in Australia for 22 years on Sunday. After bowling out the woeful world champions for a miserly 140 at Perth Stadium, Mohammad Rizwan’s team reached their target in the 27th over. The impressive performance, aided by high-quality bowling from Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf, ensured a first ODI series win in Australia since 2002.

They lost a tense opening match in Melbourne by two wickets, but bounced back with an emphatic nine-wicket victory in Adelaide.

“It’s a special moment for me and the fans,” said captain Rizwan. 

“I’ll give all the credit to the bowlers. Australia in Australia is not easy. 

“But Saim and Abdullah have given us a couple of great starts, too,” he added.

“The fans love us regardless of whether we win or lose and I really appreciate that.”

The hosts rested Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc in Perth ahead of the Test series starting this month against India, and they were missed.

Shafique and Ayub began aggressively and rode their luck, with little spark from the bowlers.

Ayub, who smashed 82 in Adelaide, survived two dropped catches, by Lance Morris and Spencer Johnson, as he swung the bat.

Shafique was also put down on 28, by Adam Zampa, as they reached the halfway point in the chase without loss in the 14th over.

Australia finally got a reward when Morris caught and bowled Shafique and then bowled Ayub five balls later.

But Rizwan (30) and Babar Azam (28) kept calm to steer them home.

Outplayed

Rizwan won the toss and sent in Australia, who were no match for Afridi (3-32), Shah (3-54) and Rauf (2-24).

Sean Abbott top-scored with 30 before they were bundled out in the 32nd over.

“It’s pretty disappointing, to be honest,” said skipper Josh Inglis.

“I think after probably the first three-quarters of the first game (in Melbourne) we were totally outplayed.

“Not enough runs on the board in games two and three.”

Jake Fraser-McGurk and Matt Short again opened, desperate for runs after failing to make an impact at Melbourne and Adelaide.

But on a pitch suited to the quick bowlers Fraser-McGurk once more flopped, nicking a swinging Shah delivery to wicketkeeper Rizwan on seven.

Aaron Hardie, at three in place of Smith, lasted 13 balls for his 12 before being caught at slip off the dangerous Afridi.

That brought Inglis to the crease, but he too departed cheaply for seven, skying a Shah bouncer that Rizwan collected to leave Australia on 56-3 in the 11th over.

Rauf then accounted for Short (22) before youngster Cooper Connolly, in only his second ODI, was forced to retire hurt on seven after a blow to his hand.

Out-of-form Glenn Maxwell only survived two balls with Rauf bagging him for the third time this series, caught at point by Ayub, while Marcus Stoinis added just eight to the score as Australia stumbled to 88-6.

Abbott and Adam Zampa (13) shared a handy 30-run partnership before the tail was mopped up.

Delhi Capitals have announced the retention of key players as they gear up for the upcoming season. Following thorough evaluations and strategic discussions, they have decided to retain Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Tristan Stubbs, and Abishek Porel ahead of this year’s mega auction. Speaking on the occasion, team Chairman and co-owner Kiran Kumar Grandhi said, “I’m satisfied with our retentions and believe we have a strong and balanced core around which we aim to build the rest of our squad. The mega auction is always an exciting and dynamic experience that often throws up surprises. I wish all franchises and players the very best. I am confident that we will be able to put together a robust and terrific squad capable of winning the trophy,” according to the press release from Delhi Capitals.

Team co-owner Parth Jindal added, “In Axar, Kuldeep, Tristan, and Abishek, we have the ideal blend of experience and youth, and I am very pleased with our retentions. I would have liked to retain more players who have played for DC, but the rules require us to be strategic in our choices. Going into the auction, we will have two RTM cards, which leaves the door open for players who have represented DC in the past to continue with us. We know who we want and will make every effort to bring back some, if not all, of the players. With this milestone achieved, the team is working tirelessly on the mega auction. Our intent is to build a strong and balanced squad that can bring the much-awaited IPL trophy home to our city.”

The Delhi Capitals posted on their official X handle:

Your favourite stars ready to ROAR at Qila Kotla once again!

Read more on our retentions here https://t.co/LHchrsFoMZ pic.twitter.com/7i26Tc07nd

— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) October 31, 2024

“Your favourite stars are ready to ROAR at Qila Kotla once again!

Earlier in the month, former Indian cricketers Hemang Badani and Venugopal Rao joined the Delhi Capitals coaching staff as head coach and director of cricket, respectively, ahead of the next IPL season.

Meanwhile, cricketing icon and one of India’s most successful captains, Sourav Ganguly, has been appointed as director of cricket for JSW Sports.

Australia on Monday left out their Test stars for the home T20 series against Pakistan, with a new captain set to be named. The three-match T20 series next month will conclude only four days before Australia embark on the first of a five home Tests against India. Selectors rested fast bowlers Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood, along with other Test players Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head. All-rounder Cameron Green is injured and will miss the entire Australian summer.

Marsh is the usual T20 captain, leaving Josh Inglis, Adam Zampa, Glenn Maxwell and Matt Short in the mix to take charge against Pakistan.

Fast bowlers Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis and Spencer Johnson all return after injuries for the matches in Brisbane on November 14, Sydney two days later and Hobart on November 18.

The first Test against India begins in Perth on November 22.  

“This group of players have all represented Australia in T20 cricket, so we look forward to them continuing to enhance their international experience throughout this series,” said chief selector George Bailey.

“We are excited by the mix of experience combined with those closer to the start of their international journeys.”

The T20s follow a three-match one-day international series against Pakistan beginning on November 4.

Cummins, Hazlewood and Starc were included in the one-day squad announced two weeks ago, but Marsh and Head will be on paternity leave.

Australia T20 squad: Sean Abbott, Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Aaron Hardie, Josh Inglis, Spencer Johnson, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Short, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa

Scotland vs Australia 2nd T20I Highlights© AFP

File image of Sourav Ganguly and Ricky Ponting.© AFP

Australia announced their T20I squad for their upcoming series against Scotland and England, with Perth Scorchers all-rounder Cooper Connolly earning his maiden T20I call-up. The post-David Warner era has begun for Australia, and a new opening pair will take the field for their white-ball series against Scotland and England. The Baggy Greens will play a three-match T20I series against Scotland in September. Australia will also play three T20Is and five ODIs against England later in the month.

The three T20Is against Scotland will be played on September 4, 6, and 7, and the England T20I series will begin on September 11.

In Warner’s place, Jake Fraser-McGurk has been included in the T20I squads for both series and in the ODI squad against England. Fraser-McGurk will look to establish himself as a long-term opening alternative for Australia.

Connolly has featured in 15 domestic T20s. He starred for Perth Scorchers in the Big Bash League 2022-23 final with his quick-fire 25* off 11 deliveries. In his Sheffield Shield debut, he scored 90 against Tasmania earlier this year.

Mitchell Marsh will lead the side in the absence of Pat Cummins, who has been rested. Cummins is currently involved in the ongoing Major League Cricket with the San Francisco Unicorns.

The experienced duo of Mitchell Starc and Glenn Maxwell will also miss the T20I series but will link up with the squad for the ODI series against England.

Matthew Short, who travelled with Australia’s T20 World Cup squad as a reserve player, will miss out on the T20I tour due to the birth of his first child.

“This tour gives us a great opportunity to bring in some new players in the absence of David Warner and Matthew Wade, as well as giving some senior players time to prepare for the home summer and a busy first half of next year. We are particularly pleased to offer Cooper his first opportunity in the T20 squad, having introduced the likes of Jake, Spencer, Xavier and Aaron in the past 12 months. They are exciting prospects to join the likes of Cameron Green, Nathan Ellis and Josh Inglis in the white-ball set-up,” national selector George Bailey said in a statement by Cricket Australia.

With the ICC Champions Trophy almost seven months away, Australia will try to find the right balance within the ODI team.

“With the Champions Trophy on our doorstep early next year, the white-ball series against Pakistan leading into the summer and a huge home Test series against India, there has been a lot of planning invested into these next six months. That has included gradual integration of new players into our white-ball squads who have earned international opportunities via excellent form in Big Bash or state cricket,” he added.

Australia T20I squad for Scotland and England: Mitchell Marsh (capt), Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Cameron Green, Aaron Hardie, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis (wk), Spencer Johnson, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa

Australia ODI squad for England: Mitchell Marsh (capt), Sean Abbott, Alex Carey (wk), Cameron Green, Nathan Ellis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Aaron Hardie, Josh Hazlewood, Josh Inglis (wk), Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Short, Steven Smith, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa.

Australia’s David Warner has tipped Jake Fraser-McGurk to fill the opening role for Australia and believes that the youngster will have a “fantastic career” for the Baggy Greens. Warner has recently spent a lot of time with the 22-year-old. Both of them featured for the Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. Jake was also with the Australian team during their T20 World Cup campaign as a travelling reserve. Warner’s international career ended after Australia crashed out of the Super 8 stage of the tournament after Afghanistan and India inflicted back-to-back defeats on them.

After Australia’s exit, Warner passed the baton to the youngster as the next opener in the T20Is and ODIs.

“Every time I put something out there, I become a selector, (but) I think he’s definitely got the ability to do that,” Warner said, as quoted from cricket.com.au.

“He can lock it in. And a bit like myself, you (have to learn) how to play … 50 over cricket. That’s one thing that I learnt from Twenty20. I got dropped after seven games because I didn’t really understand how to play the game of one-day cricket. So, from a one-day perspective, if he learns that and understands that, he’ll have a fantastic career, especially batting in Australia. Best wickets in the world,” he added.

With Australia looking towards the future, Jake could be one of the names that could pop up in their tours of Scotland and England as Australia.

Jake struck 51 across two matches off 23 deliveries during Australia’s ODI series against West Indies earlier this year. Before that, he set a world record by slamming a ton in a mere 29-ball one-day ton in the Marsh Cup.

He went on to set the new standards in the IPL while opening for Delhi Capitals. In nine IPL 2024 matches, Jake racked up 330 runs at an average of 36.66 and a whopping strike rate of 234.04, including four half-centuries and best score of 84.

However, the young opening batter isn’t looking to follow Warner’s footsteps in red-ball cricket. In the Sheffield Shield cricket, playing at the opening slot for South Australia didn’t suit him, and the experiment ended up as a failure. He scored 19 runs as an opener in four innings, but he scored his first hundred in first-class cricket while playing at the number six spot.

“Last year when I was put up to open the batting in Shield cricket, that’s not me … it was torture. That’s one thing I won’t be able to do,” Fraser-McGurk said on Cricket.com.u’s Unplayable Podcast during the tournament.

“Traditionalists have a go saying, ‘Why don’t you want to play Test cricket?’ I never said I didn’t want to. Everyone wants to. Obviously, everyone wants to, but it’s just what opportunities will come and also am I going to be able to get that opportunity. I haven’t had a great Shield career to date – hopefully. that changes. But my career started turning around when I was focusing on the white ball … it’s something to work on,” he added.

After their T20 World Cup campaign ended on a bitter note, Australia will travel to Scotland for a three-match T20I series which will kick off on September 4.

Australian cricket team coach Andrew McDonald said on Tuesday that charismatic young batter Jake Fraser-McGurk and all-rounder Matthew Short have been added as travelling reserves with the squad for the T20 World Cup in the Americas because they bring something different to the table. Fraser-McGurk, 22, in only his debut IPL season, gave an excellent display of explosive batsmanship for Delhi Capitals smashing four half-centuries in nine games at an astronomical strike rate exceeding 234.

He hit 330 runs, including 32 boundaries and 28 maximums, prompting several Australian greats to pitch for his inclusion in the 15-member squad. But after being overlooked for the World Cup in the West Indies and USA next month, he has been finally included as a travelling reserve.

“I think they’re (Fraser-McGurk and Short) slightly different in what they offer. Fraser is an out-and-out opener and the way we’ve grown Matthew Short into the team is through the middle order and that spin (bowling) ability as well,” McDonald told Sen Radio.

McDonald indicated that Short could come in handy in the event of Glenn Maxwell getting injured.

“We feel like he’s (Short) a spinning all-rounder much like Glenn Maxwell if anything should move there, and obviously Jake Fraser-McGurk is an out-and-out top order player,” added McDonald.

The two reserves will, however, not be able to play unless there is an injury in the squad.

The Australian team is set to fly out for the World Cup on Wednesday.

“Both exciting, I think they both add a lot.

“Those guys sit outside of the 15, the only way they can come onto the selection table is if there was to be an injury, we’ve got two options there depending on what we lose or what may unfold in terms of injuries,” McDonald added.

The coach said that apart from the two players, Australia had several other options as well, should a player in the 15-member squad get injured or indisposed.

“We’ve also got some other options in Spencer Johnson, Xavier Bartlett that are playing in the UK as well, so if we were to lose a bowler those guys are up and running in the UK… and they can come in, it’s only a short flight into the West Indies from England.

On opener David Warner’s fitness concerns, McDonald said the 37-year-old was doing fine.

“No, not at this stage. We believe he’s fully fit, everything he says is he’s fully fit, we know that he missed the last game for Delhi (Capitals in IPL), clearly that was a selection mechanism there with the way they want to play late in the tournament, I think he played the second last round… we have no fears he won’t be fit and fully available..” Australia play their opening group stage match against Oman in Barbados on June 6.