Fresh from finishing high school Victorian teenager Jake Fraser-McGurk could make a Big Bash impact

The teenage tyro who launched onto the scene for Victoria last summer has been ultra-impressive in Big Bash practice and could be headed for an early debut.

Promoting young talent has been a theme of the Australian summer, and fresh out of high school 18-year-old Jake Fraser-McGurk could be thrust onto the Big Bash stage.

Melbourne Renegades coach Michael Klinger confirmed the teenage Victorian batsman was looking at “a few opportunities” early in the tournament after impressing in his first full BBL pre-season.

Fraser-McGurk launched himself into the spotlight last summer when he made twin 50s in both his Sheffield Shield and one-day debut for Victoria, both as a 17-year-old.

The precocious talent launched into the NSW attack at the MCG in his first white-ball game, making 54 off 49 balls in a Victorian win.

He was part of the Renegades squad last season, as a rookie, but missed the tournament to play for Australia in the Under 19 World Cup.

But this summer, noticeably bigger and stronger, Fraser-McGurk has been on hand for every second of the Renegades’ preparation.

He top scored in the team’s final practice match on Wednesday, and he, or 20-year-old Mackenzie Harvey, who has been equally impressive, could become a major part of Klinger’s middle-order.

“There’s certainly an opportunity early in the tournament for them to play, whether it’s both or one of them,” Klinger said on Thursday.

“As long as we get the balance right I am pretty confident one of them is a big chance to play in our first couple of games, if not the whole season if they can perform.

“Mackenzie and Jake have both been early impressive in our practice games, they have made runs in all positions. An opportunity will definitely come up for one of them early in the tournament.

Jake Fraser-McGurk of the Renegades is bigger and stronger than last summer when he made his Victorian debut as a 17-year-old. Picture: Graham Denholm/Getty Images

Klinger said he had no problem throwing the young talent into the big time.

“Jake’s confidence is sky high, Mackenzie Harvey as well,” he said.

“If they were given an opportunity early in the tournament I would have no qualms about them being ready for it and not only contributing but having real big match impacts.

“That’s what we have spoken to them about. If they do get a start then hopefully they can play a matchwinning innings.”

The Renegades, who play game one against the Perth Scorchers in Hobart on Saturday, will be without key import Mohammad Nabi and 15-year-old mystery spinner Noor Ahmad.

Both players, from Afghanistan, had their arrival delayed because of a lack of flights, and Klinger said they would arrive in time for the Renegades’ third game.

Klinger said Noor, who he scouted off You Tube videos, would be “let loose” this season.

“A lot of Australian payers in the past have struggled, so he could have a big impact,” he said.

"The boys are having so much fun out there."

We're only two days away from our @BBL opener. With preparations in full swing, it's time for a quick chat with new all-rounder Jack Prestwidge #GETONRED pic.twitter.com/AsKrTLhVkZ

— Melbourne Renegades (@RenegadesBBL) December 9, 2020

Originally published as Fresh from finishing high school Victorian teenager Jake Fraser-McGurk could make a Big Bash impact