'That’s why we’ve been picked' - Jake Fraser-McGurk on Ian Healy's 'schoolyard cricket' remark

Australian batting sensation Jake Fraser-McGurk has backed his aggressive batting style after facing criticism from former Test wicketkeeper Ian Healy, ahead of Friday's second ODI against Pakistan in Adelaide.

The 22-year-old, who has quickly become one of the most talked-about young talents, faced flak after his 16-run innings in the first ODI in Melbourne. Healy had strongly criticised Fraser-McGurk and fellow opener Matt Short's approach, comparing their batting to schoolyard bullies and believing that their egos were getting in the way of proper cricket.

"The [Australian] boys’ egos weren’t able to be put away for even half an hour. They’re treating it like schoolyard cricket. Shot selection was poor and to me, the juniors, Matt Short (1) and Jake Fraser-McGurk (16) were [playing] like schoolyard bullies. That’s not good enough from a cricket system that invests a lot more than it looks,” Healy told SEN.

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We’ve been picked to be aggressive at the start: Jake Fraser-McGurk

The young batter, who made headlines with his record-breaking 29-ball century for South Australia last year and with some impressive showings in franchise cricket, emphasised that aggressive batting was precisely why he and Short were selected for the team.

"Not really, no. The game’s changing and the way we want to play our cricket is really taking on those first 10 overs instead of scraping to 240, 250. If we get off to a flyer in the first 10, then it sets up a nice platform for the boys in the middle to get us past those totals," Fraser-McGurk replied.

The right-hander's potential has been visible in his recent performances, including a quickfire 41 off 18 balls against West Indies and impressive displays in the Indian Premier League. Despite his dismissal in Melbourne coming from a mistimed pull shot, he is optimistic to the team's aggressive plans.

“Me and Shorty can go out there and play the way we play. That’s why we’ve been picked. [We are] instructed to be aggressive at the start," he added.

Looking ahead to the Adelaide match, Fraser-McGurk is not that concerned about Pakistan's short-ball tactics that troubled Australian batters in Melbourne. With Adelaide Oval having shorter square boundaries, he sees this as an opportunity rather than a challenge. 

“I think Shorty and I wouldn’t mind having a short-ball tactic early, especially with a new ball. They’re world-class bowlers and the short-ball tactic last game obviously worked well for them. But you know, our batters are ready for what they’re going to bring,” Fraser-McGurk concluded.