Australia's Matt Short is searching for ways to score runs after a slump in the recent months and absence from key series due to injuries. In his first ODI match since the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 group stage clash, Short had a disappointing stay at the crease, scoring just eight runs from 17 balls. He lost his wicket trying to take aerial route against Axar Patel in Perth ODI. Ahead of the second ODI of the series at Adelaide Oval, Short said that it has been a frustrating year for him.
"It's been frustrating…I still feel like I'm moving well. I'm feeling good out in the middle," Short told reporters in Adelaide. "Just haven't got the runs on the board. But hopefully they come soon. It's been a frustrating year in terms of getting that continuous cricket."
Short got the chance in the absence of Cameron Green and Josh Inglis. Green was ruled out of the series whereas Inglis will return for the third ODI in Sydney. The opener batted at no.3 but could not lead the run chase in a rain-curtailed game. The second ODI in Adelaide will be crucial for him to retain his place in the squad.
"It's always going to be tough to get a spot in the XI and I'll sort of take whatever that is, whether it's opening, batting a three or wherever. It's just [about] staying flexible and trying to bat wherever you're put and be able to take that.
"Especially the last few years, I'm so used to opening the batting and batting in that top order, but batting a three is not too dissimilar. But if it was to come through the middle, you'd probably need to prep a bit for that but it's something I've done before in the past. If that came to happen, I'd definitely take it."
Short’s ODI record and recent form
From 16 ODIs, Short has scored 288 runs at a disappointing average of 20.57. He has two ODI fifties to his name.
The last time he scored a fifty in any format was in the Major League Cricket (MLC) encounter for San Francisco Unicorns. He was unimpressive in the Australia's One-Day domestic competition for Victoria. On his T20I return, he scored 38 runs from three innings.
Australia squad update for second ODI -
Meanwhile, Australia will be without the services of Ben Dwarshuis who warmed the bench in Perth. Dwarshuis has been ruled out of the series due to a calf injury.
With wicketkeeper-batter Alex Carey joining the squad, either Matt Renshaw or Josh Philippe will sit out the second ODI. Renshaw remained unbeaten for 21 whereas Philippe contributed with a 29-ball 37 cameo. Also, Short’s place may be in danger as well. The team management may look to test an in-form Marnus Labuschagne ahead of the Ashes squad announcement.