Australia will be taking two travelling reserves with them to the T20 World Cup 2024 in the Caribbean Islands, according to reports. The additions of Jake Fraser-McGurk and Matthew Short will bring the total squad size to 17, providing cover in case of injuries to the main 15-man team.

This decision marks a change in the initial squad announced by selector George Bailey, who previously suggested taking only one reserve.

Jake Fraser-McGurk to act as a cover of David Warner, Tread Head and Mitchell Marsh

Fraser-McGurk’s impressive form in the IPL 2024, however, seems to have swayed the selectors. Despite his strong showing, the 22-year-old batter’s lack of experience in white-ball cricket (yet to debut in T20Is) meant he missed out on the main squad. The selectors prioritized players with more versatility to fill various roles within the playing eleven.

Fraser-McGurk’s inclusion as a reserve suggests he’ll primarily act as cover for the established top order of David Warner, Travis Head and captain Mitchell Marsh.

Also READ: Australia announces squad for T20 World Cup 2024

Australia team to leave for West Indies on May 23

The Australian team, excluding those competing in the IPL 2024 final, will depart for the Caribbean Islands on Thursday, May 23. They’ll participate in a training camp in Trinidad, featuring practice matches against Namibia (May 28) and West Indies (May 30). Limited availability is expected for these initial matches, with several key players – Head, Cameron Green, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Glenn Maxwell – potentially arriving later due to their IPL commitments extending until May 26.

Australia’s World Cup campaign kicks off on June 5 against Oman in Barbados. They’ll then face England, Namibia, and Scotland in the group stage.

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