Matt Short says he is relishing his move to the top of the order for Victoria in one-day cricket after he posted a maiden century to continue his push for a national call-up.
The tall right-hander struck an unbeaten 108 from 94 balls as he and Marcus Harris mowed down Queensland’s 202 in just 31 overs at the MCG on Tuesday.
Short seamlessly carried his Big Bash form – he was player of the tournament – into the Marsh Cup, while he also posted an important second innings half-century in last week’s Shield game.
The 27-year-old said he was enjoying having a licence to play his shots wherever he bats in the Victorian side.
“I’m really enjoying it at the top of the order, and even in Shield cricket being given the licence to bat through the middle and bat with freedom – I think that probably better suits me, just playing my shots,” Short said.
“And not worrying about the ball that’s just happened, going out there and having a bit of fun while I’m doing it.”
Short was the second highest run-scorer in the Big Bash this season, accumulating 458 runs at an impressive strike rate of 144.
He looms as a serious contender for the vacant opening position left by the retired Aaron Finch in the Australian T20 side, while continued form in the one-day format could give him a chance in the Australian top order before the World Cup in India in October.
Short said it was a “relief” to post his maiden century for Victoria after several dismissals in the 90s in first-class cricket.
“To get my first hundred for Victoria, to do it out here at the MCG, just such a relief to get the first one out of the way,” he said.
“It’s been a long time coming, but I seem to be going pretty well with the white ball this season and hopefully that continues.”
The Ballarat-born all-rounder also impressed with the ball on Tuesday, with a cagey seven over spell that only leaked 23 runs.
Working in the nets with Test sensation Todd Murphy and Victorian spin bowling coach Craig Howard had led to his off spin improving significantly this season, Short said.
“Howie has been really good for me just to line me up a bit better and use my height a bit better,” he said.
“Rather than just bowling a couple of straight ones I’m actually trying to put some spin on it, some flight, and just a bit of energy really.”
Victoria nabbed a bonus point with the win, keeping their Marsh Cup hopes alive as they moved into second spot on the ladder behind Western Australia.
Story Credit: news.com.au