Home
Australia's Matt Short said that he prefers to open the batting but has come to terms with reality that he it will not be his best chance to play in the T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka. Short is ready for the challenge middle-order role poses, similar to that of Sanju Samson who does not have a fixed position to bat in the lineup despite good record as opener.
"Personally I think I am suited to the top of the order, but having conversations with selectors and coaching staff, I think, looking forward to that T20 World Cup, I know that our top four or five is going to be pretty locked in," Short said.
"If I was to make the XI in the World Cup, I think my best chances are in the middle or lower order. We are probably using this series to see guys in different positions and looking ahead to that World Cup.
"[To play at the World Cup] would be massive. I missed out on the one in the West Indies where I was a travelling reserve, but I love playing cricket for Australia no matter if it's in the World Cup or a series like this. I am happy taking what I am getting, whether that is in the top order or through the middle."
Short working on game against spin
In the previous T20I, he batted at no.7 and stayed unbeaten for a 15-ball 26. A prominent batter in franchise cricket, Short is yet to prove his mettle in T20Is. He has just one fifty, that too while opening the innings.
Short understands that he will have to improve his game against spin to cement his spot in the playing eleven.
"There's always ways to improve," he said. "Looking at the World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, it is probably my game against spin that probably needs a little bit of work.
"Especially when you look at our squad and the power hitters we have got through the middle like Tim David, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Owen, Marcus Stoinis ... guys that have had that experience in India before and have that real power game against spin.
"It is obviously a challenge, and playing for Australia is not easy, so we will have to wait and see."
Who will open in 4th T20I vs India?
With Travis Head leaving the squad to prepare for the Ashes, it is yet to be seen whether Short or Mitchell Owen will open the innings alongside skipper Mitchell Marsh. The fourth T20I will be played at Carrara Oval, Queensland.
ADVERTISEMENT
