Welcome to the summer of Jake Fraser McGurk.
Two months after firing the quickest century in List A history, taking just 29 balls to reach triple figures for South Australia against Tasmania, Fraser-McGurk is setting the Big Bash League on fire, pitching another huge innings and earning high praise from a superstar Australian.
After firing a 24-ball 48 against the Sixers on December 8, which included five fours and three sixes, Fraser-McGurk went one bigger on Thursday night, smashing a 21-ball half-century against the Heat at Marvel Stadium.
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Only Chris Gayle (12 balls, BBL 05 against Strikers) and Aaron Finch (20 balls, BBL 06 against Heat) have made faster fifties for the Renegades.
The 21-year-old was eventually dismissed for 55 off 23, hitting seven sixes to keep the Renegades in the contest after the early loss of Quinton de Kock for a duck.
The big-hitting Victorian’s efforts caught the attention of another person fitting that description – World Cup hero Glenn Maxwell – who heaped praise on the youngster.
“There is no one in Australia better to watch Fraser-McGurk. Easily the most talented young mix in the country. His potential has no ceiling really. #rooster,” Maxwell tweeted.
Asked about the praise, Fraser McGurk told Fox Cricket: “There’s a few other good ones – Ollie Davies, the Davies brothers and Harry Dixon on that bench too. I’ve had a good relationship with Maxi, but thanks Maxi, cheers.”
He explained: “Obviously I can’t say it was really bad. I felt very good off the ball technically. It was good to get out there and hit a few big sixes for the crowd.”
“Same (game plan) I’ve been thinking about all summer — watch the ball as hard as I can and just react, support my instincts and stay as still as possible. And that’s what’s worked so far.”