Jake Fraser-McGurk cops brutal Mitchell Starc truth as cricket fans fume over World Cup update

Veteran Aussie bowler Mitchell Starc dismissed batting prodigy Jake Fraser-McGurk in the IPL after reports suggested the 22-year-old would miss out on selection for the Australian World Cup T20 squad. Fraser-McGurk has taken the cricket world by storm in 2024 having burst onto the international scene having smashed 41 runs off 18 balls against the West Indies earlier this year.

He has since joined coach Ricky Ponting at the Delhi Capitals and stunned IPL fans having scored three half-centuries in just six innings. And his form has been so hard to ignore, Ponting an the coaching team moved Fraser-McGurk up the order in place of Warner.

There has been growing calls for the 22-year-old to be selected in the Aussie T20 World Cup squad, which could see him open with Travis Head. However, in a brutal development, Code Sports reported Fraser-McGurk will be overlooked for the squad. Steve Smith will also miss out.

Veteran Warner will be selected even though he has been dropped for the Capitals and has been out of form in the white-ball arena. Only last week, former Aussie captain Michael Clarke was hailing Fraser-McGurk's impact and claimed he should be heading to the US and West Indies for the World Cup in July.

“The selectors have to be thinking about him now, with the team just a few days away from being selected,” Clarke said last week from the commentary box. “It’s hard to leave him out to be honest, the way he’s played so far.

“I imagine conditions will be pretty similar in the Caribbean, slower wickets with that extra power in the Powerplay needed. He’s done his chances no harm, and I’d love to see him in that squad.” He wasn't the only former Aussie cricketer to sing his praises. Mark Waugh also suggested Fraser-McGurk should be a certainty for the World Cup.

Unfortunately, Fraser-McGurk could be set to miss out. And many fans were left stunned at the development with the youngster appearing to be the future of white-ball cricket for Australia.

Mitchell Starc struggles in IPL once again

Despite the wicket of the dangerous Fraser-McGurk, Starc didn't have the best day out for the Kolkata Knight Riders once again. Starc has come under fire for his performances, considering he cost $4.43 million to make him the competition's most expensive player.

Against the Capitals, Starc went for 1-43 off three overs. He he has now bowled 28 overs and taken seven wickets during his return to the IPL. However, he has been hit for 330 runs, which is an economy rate of 11.78. Starc was brought in as a bowler to be used at the death, but his economy rate has prompted backlash from fans.

Despite the complaints, Starc has been involved in a winning team. Having sat out the last match due to a finger injury, the Knight Riders conceded a record 2-262. They lost with eight balls to spare. Starc's return saw them ease to victory with seven wickets and 21 balls to spare. The Capitals only managed 3-157 with England's Phil Salt (68 off 33) leading the way.

The Knight Riders moved to second on the ladder after the victory. And while Starc may still be searching for his best form, the quick is helping the Knight Riders remain near the top of the ladder.