Matthew Short is on fire as he aims to reclaim his starting place in Australia’s T20I squad following the retirement of David Warner with a superb knock against England in the first game at Southampton on Wednesday, September 11.
The dazzling show by Short and Travis Head proved a turning point as the openers scored 86 runs in a blistering stand during the Powerplay to guide Australia to a thrilling 28-run victory over England in the opening game of the ongoing three-match T20I series in Southampton.
Matthew Short’s fiery performance boosts his status as Australia’s premier T20I captain
The 28-year-old all-rounder put on a stunning 41-run knock off just 26 balls, with 4 fours and 2 sixes, giving Australia a vital early lead against England. It was a masterclass in aggressive batting, while Head contributed 59 runs off 23 balls in Australia’s thrilling win over the hosts.
Matthew Short, who has had an up-and-down stint with the Australian cricket team over the past two years, is now determined to grab this golden opportunity to establish himself as their go-to opener in T20I cricket.
With Warner’s retirement leaving a significant void, Short’s explosive performance against England could be the breakthrough he has been waiting for to cement his place in the team.
Despite stiff competition for the opening spot with Jake Fraser-McGurk, Short’s current form and contribution to Australia’s victory might have tipped the scales in his favour. Short reiterated once again that he is eager to perform at his best in England to cement his place in Australia’s T20I set-up.
I’m really trying to take advantage of this opportunity and cement my place – Matthew Short
Matthew Short told ICC: “Obviously with Davey Warner out you know the spot is free. But Jake Fraser-McGurk has been playing the last few games in Scotland so you never know where you’re going to be. But I’m glad I took that opportunity tonight and played my part in helping the team get a win tonight.
“It’s a personal goal of mine. I’ve been in and out of the team recently over the last 12 to 18 months. Now that Dave is out, I’m really trying to take advantage of this opportunity and cement my place in this team.”
Notably, Matthew Short has been in exceptional form, winning back-to-back MVP awards in the Big Bash League and amassing more than 450 runs in each of the last three seasons.
“It’s a pretty clear game plan” – Matthew Short
The right-handed batsman continued his impressive form in international cricket and appreciated the freedom to play aggressively at the top of the order alongside the opener.
Matthew Short concluded by saying: “It’s a pretty clear game plan from the coaching staff. Just go out there freely and take the positive options. Trav [Travis Head] And I go into games with that mentality.”
After winning the first T20I, Australia took a 1-0 lead in the three-match T20I series in England. Australia will travel to Cardiff and Manchester for the remaining two T20Is against England on September 13 and 15 respectively.
After the T20I series, their attention will shift to the five-match ODI series, which begins on September 19 at Trent Bridge.