Jake Fraser-McGurk will return to Australia from the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup in South Africa for precautionary medical treatment.
Fraser-McGurk was scratched on the face by a monkey at a nature reserve while on a team outing after Australia’s victory over England in Kimberley on Thursday.
After consultation with medical staff and family members, it was deemed necessary for Fraser-McGurk to return to Australia for precautionary treatment within seven days of the accident.
Australia will consider calling in a replacement for Fraser-McGurk for the final two matches of the tournament.
Alex Kountouris, Cricket Australia’s Sports Science and Sports Medicine Manager, is confident Fraser-McGurk will not suffer any ongoing issues after treatment.
“We want to make sure that Jake doesn’t have any ongoing medical concerns as a result of the incident so we have taken the best course of action,” Kountouris said. “This involves the player returning to Australia for the treatment required within the recommended seven days of the incident taking place.
“We expect Jake will be available for selection shortly after he has completed the treatment.”
Fraser-McGurk said he was disappointed to be missing the final matches of the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup. The Australians were defeated by India in the quarter-finals on Tuesday in Potchefstroom and must now play two fixtures to determine their ranking at the next Under-19 World Cup.
“You never like to be leaving the boys with the tournament still in progress,” Fraser-McGurk said. “But I’m confident we have the team to get the job done in the final two matches.
“I guess it serves me right for getting too close to the animal enclosure. That’s a lesson learned. I look forward to completing the treatment and getting back on the field as soon as possible.
“I’d like to thank all the staff from the nature reserve and Cricket Australia for their care and support.”
2020 ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup, South Africa
January 17 – February 9, 2020
Australia fixtures:
– v West Indies, January 18, Diamond Oval, Kimberley. West Indies won by three wickets
– v Nigeria, January 20, Country Club B Field, Kimberley. Australia won by 10 wickets
– v England, January 23, Diamond Oval, Kimberley. Australia won by two wickets
– v India, January 28, JB Marks Oval, Potchefstroom. India won by 74 runs
– v Afghanistan or Pakistan, February 2, North West University Oval, Potchefstroom.
