2024-04-13 15:54:21
There is a record of fifty on debut in IPL. But there are very few batsmen who can make their mark. You can take any place in your mind.
What Australian youngster Jake Fraser-McGurk did in the match between Delhi Capitals and Lucknow Super Giants on Friday really caught everyone’s eye. He is already called Australia’s new Maxwell. He did justice to the name. Chasing 168 runs given by Lucknow, Delhi lost opener David Warner by 24 runs. Then McGurk came to the crease. The next 48 minutes were nothing short of spectacular.
Aggression, power, shot selection, running between the wickets is a unique package. He played an innings of 55 runs off 35 balls. Where there were 5 huge sixes. Hardik Pandya’s elder brother didn’t even fear Krual Pandya hitting 3 consecutive sixes. Playing in IPL for the first time, the challenge of chasing runs, the challenge of going to the opponent’s field was nothing in him. Rather, there was an impression of bravery in his innings. McGurk’s explosive innings came in handy as Delhi won the match.
Talking to the broadcast after the match, Australia’s new sensation responded to his debut match, ‘I was watching five-six matches sitting on the sidelines. He couldn’t bear to go on the field. I was looking forward to playing my first match and looking for a chance to win the team. Not trying to do too much, not losing balance… trying to hit the middle of the bat. Respond as you see the ball. I have been trying this way for the last 12 months. Not changing that.’
Krunal’s six over cover is the best shot in his eyes, ‘I enjoyed hitting the six over cover. I don’t hit the ball very much on the off side. I have work to do. Besides, we have to look for good batting in the power play. I think skills improve with experience. If you play more matches, you will improve more.’
McGurk is playing for the first time in this year’s IPL. He does not see such competition anywhere else, he said, ‘I am happy to be here. A different world. I have never seen anything like this in my life before. Heard a lot, but never experienced it myself. It’s great to be able to stay here for eight weeks or more. To be able to spend this time in India and play in this special league is amazing.’