JAKE, THE REAPER OF RUNS

Despite missing the WC berth, the Australian youngster once again lit up the stage in IPL

-  SWAROOP SWAMINATHAN

EVEN as late as the second week of March, Jake Fraser-McGurk's Summer plans didn't involve playing for Delhi Capitals. The breakout star of the Indian Premier League (IPL) may have probably been looking at shooting some hoops with mates, some fishing and working on his game in March, April and May.

Then, a spot opened up thanks to Lungi Ngidi's injury. Delhi plumped for him even if they had a stacked Aussie-heavy toporder. Whether by chance or by design, it has worked wonders.

He has been electric and has routinely embarrassed top bowlers. On Tuesday, the opener continued with a breath-taking takedown of Rajasthan Royals inside the powerplay. He had made a soporific start (run-aball 7) as Trent Boult, one of the finest new-ball operators in the history of the league in terms of wickets, had altered the line of attack. The Kiwi usually searches for some swing early to bring the pads into play. Here, it was a nod to McGurk's aggression so the seamer was looking to angle in deliveries, with the length going to be short as well as full.