'Hard to leave him out...': Former captain Michael Clarke backs Jake Fraser-McGurk for Australian T20 World Cup squad

NEW DELHI: Jake Fraser-McGurk , a top-order batsman from Australia, has impressed former captain Michael Clarke with his outstanding performances in the Indian Premier League.

Fraser-McGurk's explosive innings of 84 off just 27 balls, which included 11 fours and six sixes, helped Delhi Capitals post a massive total of 257/4 against Mumbai Indians, leading to a 10-run victory for his team on Saturday.

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The 22-year-old equalled his own record for the fastest IPL half-century this season, reaching the milestone in a mere 15 balls with a massive six.

Clarke believes that the selectors should seriously consider including Fraser-McGurk in the Australian squad for the upcoming Twenty20 World Cup in the U.S. and West Indies in June.

"It's hard to leave him out to be honest, the way he's played so far," Clarke said.

Fraser-McGurk, who has yet to make his T20 international debut, joined Delhi as a replacement for the injured South African pace bowler Lungi Ngidi. He has seized the opportunity, scoring 247 runs in five matches at an astonishing strike rate of 237.50.

Former India batsman Sanjay Manjrekar praised the young Australian's batting prowess, stating, "He's got 22 sixes and 220 of those 247 runs have been in boundaries - that's crazy. T20 batting at a new level."

Fraser-McGurk's big-hitting abilities were already on display last year when he smashed a 29-ball century against Tasmania in the Marsh Cup, registering the fastest hundred in one-day cricket.

Delhi assistant coach Pravin Amre acknowledged the young batsman's unique talent, saying, "Even when we watched him in the nets, he had something different, that X-factor."

Amre also praised Fraser-McGurk's smart cricket and excellent shot selection during his innings against Mumbai Indians.

(With inputs from Reuters)