Dubai, March 4 -- Ahead of the semi-final clash against India in the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at the Dubai International Stadium on Tuesday, former Australia skipper Ricky Ponting stated that he would pick big-hitting youngster Jake Fraser-McGurk as a replacement for opener Matthew Short in the all-important game of the marquee event.

Short picked up a quad injury in Australia's group match against Afghanistan. His absence promotes traveling reserve Cooper Connolly into the squad. The West Australian, like Short, is a powerful hitter who is also a capable off-spin bowler, proving to be a like-for-like replacement.

While left-armer Connolly would likely contribute in both disciplines for Australia, particularly on Dubai's spin-f...