Matthew William Short, born on 8 November 1995, is a professional Australian cricketer known for his dynamic skills as a batsman and bowler. Representing Victoria at the state level and playing for the Adelaide Strikers in the Big Bash League (BBL), Short has carved a name for himself in Australian cricket. He previously played for the Melbourne Renegades before moving to the Strikers. With a steady rise in his domestic and international career, Short is recognized for his adaptability and contributions to his teams.
Domestic Career
Early Beginnings
Matthew Short began his professional cricket career on 20 July 2014 when he made his debut in one-day cricket for the Australia National Performance Squad. His debut came during the Australia A Team Quadrangular Series, where he played against South Africa A. This marked the start of a promising domestic career that would see him grow into one of Australia’s top players.
First-Class Cricket
Short made his first-class debut on 29 October 2015 for Cricket Australia XI. This match was part of New Zealand’s tour to Australia, and although Short was still finding his feet at this level, it laid the foundation for future success. His first-class breakthrough came in November 2017 during a tour match against England. Playing for Cricket Australia XI in Townsville, Short showcased his talent by scoring 51 runs in the first innings and an unbeaten 134 in the second innings. His all-round performance also included an impressive 4/103 with the ball, solidifying his position as a versatile cricketer.
Club Cricket in England
In 2019, Short took his skills overseas, playing club cricket in England for Coggeshall Town CC. During his time in England, he scored an impressive 1100 runs at an average of 55. This experience further honed his skills and prepared him for future challenges in both domestic and international cricket.
Big Bash League Success
The 2021–22 Big Bash League (BBL) season marked a turning point in Short’s career. He moved up from the middle order to open the batting for the Adelaide Strikers. This shift proved to be a masterstroke, as Short ended the season with 493 runs, the third-highest in the league. Additionally, he hit 26 sixes, the second most for that season. The Strikers’ captain, Peter Siddle, praised Short’s new role, stating that it gave him the confidence to perform fearlessly at the top of the order.
Short’s most notable performance in the BBL came on 5 January 2023, when he captained the Strikers in the absence of Peter Siddle. He scored his maiden BBL century, an unbeaten 100 from 59 balls, leading the Strikers to the highest run chase in BBL history (230 runs). Along with his batting, Short contributed with the ball, taking 1/34 in four overs. His remarkable season earned him the BBL12 Player of the Tournament title at the Australian Cricket Awards.
Indian Premier League
In March 2023, Short was signed by Punjab Kings for the Indian Premier League (IPL) as a replacement for Jonny Bairstow. This opportunity allowed him to showcase his talents on an international stage in one of the most competitive T20 leagues in the world.
International Career
T20 International Debut
Matthew Short’s international career took off in 2023 when he made his debut for Australia in Twenty20 International (T20I) cricket. His first match was against South Africa on 30 August 2023. Just two days later, on 1 September 2023, in the second T20I match of the series, Short played a match-winning innings. He scored his maiden international half-century, hitting 66 runs off just 30 balls. His explosive performance guided Australia to a comfortable victory and was crucial in their 3-0 sweep of South Africa in the series.
One Day International Debut
On 22 September 2023, Short made his One Day International (ODI) debut against India. Although still early in his ODI career, this debut marked another milestone for the rising star, signaling his growing importance to the Australian cricket team.
First T20I Wicket
Short continued to make his mark in international cricket by taking his first T20I wicket on 23 November 2023. Playing against India, he dismissed Yashasvi Jaiswal, with Steve Smith catching the batsman for 21 runs. This wicket demonstrated Short’s all-round capabilities, contributing with both bat and ball for the Australian side.
2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup
In May 2024, Matthew Short was named as a reserve player in Australia’s squad for the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. This selection further highlighted his growing stature in international cricket, as he became part of Australia’s plans for one of the most prestigious tournaments in the sport.
Personal Life
Outside of cricket, Matthew Short is engaged to Australian swimmer Madison Wilson. The couple’s relationship has gained attention in Australian sporting circles, with both excelling in their respective sports.
Matthew Short’s Future in Cricket
Matthew Short’s rise in the cricket world has been swift and impactful. From his early days in domestic cricket to his breakout performances in the Big Bash League and international cricket, Short has proven himself to be a versatile and reliable player. His ability to perform under pressure, both as a batsman and a bowler, makes him a valuable asset for any team he represents.
With his recent inclusion in Australia’s squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, the future looks bright for Matthew Short. As he continues to develop his skills and gain more experience, cricket fans can expect to see much more from this talented all-rounder in the years to come.
Conclusion
Matthew Short journey in cricket is a testament to his hard work, adaptability, and talent. From his domestic career with Victoria and the Adelaide Strikers to his growing international presence, Short has consistently proven his worth. His performances in the Big Bash League, IPL, and for Australia have shown that he is capable of competing at the highest levels. As he continues to grow as a player, Matthew Short is undoubtedly one of the rising stars of Australian cricket.
