- Ponting has identified Jake Fraser-McGurk as his future star
- Says the youngster has as much talent as Warner possessed
- Called to properly treat the battle prodigy, 21
Australian cricket legend Ricky Ponting has identified Jake Fraser-McGurk as a future Test star, believing the 21-year-old blaster has as much talent as a young David Warner.
The Victorian, who has crossed over to South Australia ahead of the current domestic season, has been the talk of the cricket world for his fearless and cavalier approach to the opening.
Fraser-McGurk scored 41 off 18 balls in Australia’s record ODI win – achieved with 43 overs to go – against the West Indies in Canberra on Tuesday.
It was his second international appearance after he hit a towering six in Sydney on Sunday before being dismissed by the fifth ball of the match.
Ponting was not surprised by Fraser-McGurk’s dazzling display and said it was reminiscent of Warner’s famous strike against a powerful South African attack at the MCG in 2009.
Ricky Ponting has named Jake Fraser-McGurk as a future Test star for Australia
Ponting wants the youngster to be trained quickly and gain experience in all forms of cricket
“(Fraser-McGurk) is someone who could very well be moved quickly through the Australian system,” Ponting said on Wednesday after being confirmed as coach of US Major League Cricket franchise Washington Freedom.
“When we saw (Warner) starting, everyone was doubtful whether he would be technically good enough to play Test cricket.
“But with the talent and skill that (Warner) had – Jake has as much talent as David came through… the sooner they can get him in the system the better.
“Let him play and let him figure out the best way to be successful in all the different formats.”
Ponting singled out former Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi as someone who made the leap from a limited-overs power-hitter to a Test player.
“When you’ve got that kind of talent you need exposure to top-level cricket to work it out, Jake can do that,” said Australia’s all-time leading century-maker.
Fraser-McGurk’s emergence comes just a month after Warner, one of Australia’s greatest openers, ended his Test and one-day international careers.
Warner, 37, will remain a member of Australia’s Twenty20 team ahead of this year’s World Cup in the United States and the Caribbean.
Ponting said Fraser-McGurk has as much talent as a young David Warner
Fraser-McGurk enjoyed a strong Big Bash League campaign with the Melbourne Renegades but was overlooked for the T20 squads, with selectors slotting him into Warner’s vacant spot as ODI opener.
Steve Smith, who alongside Ponting is Australia’s best batsman since Don Bradman, was blown away when he saw Fraser-McGurk.
“He certainly doesn’t lack confidence and it’s cool to see someone come in and just play with so much freedom and no fear at 21 years old,” Smith said.
Wicketkeeper Josh Inglis, who opened with Fraser-McGurk in Sydney and Canberra, branded his young teammate a ‘freak’ for how well he struck the ball.