The Australian batter says improving his game against spin is top priority.
GOLD COAST
Australian batter Matt Short is embracing the challenge of facing “world-class” Indian bowlers in the ongoing T20 series but admits that mastering spin in subcontinental conditions will be crucial ahead of next year’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.
“There’s always ways to improve. Looking at the World Cup, my game against spin probably needs a bit of work,” Short said ahead of the fourth T20I against India. “We’ve got great power-hitters like Tim David, Glenn Maxwell, and Marcus Stoinis who’ve played a lot in India. So, it’s definitely a challenge, and playing for Australia is never easy.”
With the series locked 1-1, Short noted that India’s strong squad has given Australia valuable match experience. “India are number one for a reason. They’ve got world-class bowlers and bat deep. Conditions will be different in the World Cup, but this series is helping us prepare,” he said.
The 29-year-old, who impressed as an opener in the Big Bash League (BBL), said he’s open to batting lower down if required for team balance. “Personally, I think I’m suited to the top of the order. But with the top four likely settled, I may have to play through the middle. This series helps us test different roles ahead of the World Cup,” he explained.
Short also highlighted the difference between opening and finishing: “When you open, you can ease into the innings. But coming in later, you need intent from ball one.”
Australia will miss Josh Hazlewood for the rest of the series, but Short is confident others will step up. “He’s one of the best, but we’ve got a great squad. Hopefully, others can get the job done,” he concluded.