Jake Fraser McGurk and Matthew Short are poised to serve as Australia’s reserve players for the upcoming T20 World Cup set to kick off on June 1 in the Americas.

Amidst his blazing performance for the Delhi Capitals in the IPL, 22-year-old McGurk, though yet to debut in T20 Internationals, finds himself on the cusp of selection. However, he missed out on the initial 15-member provisional squad due to the established top order comprising David Warner, Travis Head, and captain Mitchell Marsh.

Contrarily, batting all-rounder Short, having featured prominently in nine of Australia’s last 14 T20Is, including opening in five, stands as a formidable option. Notably, he clinched the title of Big Bash League player of the tournament in consecutive seasons.

Initially, it was suggested by Australia’s chair of selectors George Bailey that only one reserve player would accompany the squad to the Caribbean. However, recent reports indicate the likelihood of a second addition, with the in-form Fraser-McGurk set to join Short.

The Australian squad is scheduled to depart for the Caribbean on Thursday for a comprehensive training camp in Trinidad. The itinerary includes two practice matches against Namibia and West Indies on May 28 and 30, respectively.

Certain key players, including Head, Cameron Green, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Glenn Maxwell, engaged in the IPL playoffs, will join the squad at a later stage.

Notably, players like Marsh, Warner, Agar, Hazlewood, Zampa, Wade, Ellis, and Inglis have seen limited action since the conclusion of the Australian domestic season in March.

Per ICC regulations, only those named in the 15-man squad can partake in the warm-up fixtures.

Marsh, Hazlewood, Inglis, Zampa, and Agar have been actively training in Brisbane over the past fortnight alongside Short. While Marsh is reported to have recovered from his hamstring injury, he is yet to resume bowling.

Australia’s campaign in the tournament will commence against Oman in Barbados on June 5.