Matt Short says he’s relishing his transfer to the highest of the order for Victoria in one-day cricket after he posted a maiden century to proceed his push for a nationwide call-up.
The tall right-hander struck an unbeaten 108 from 94 balls as he and Marcus Harris mowed down Queensland’s 202 in simply 31 overs on the MCG on Tuesday.
Short seamlessly carried his Big Bash kind – he was participant of the match – into the Marsh Cup, whereas he additionally posted an necessary second innings half-century in final week’s Shield recreation.
The 27-year-old mentioned he was having fun with having a licence to play his photographs wherever he bats within the Victorian aspect.
“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 mentioned.
“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 within the Big Bash this season, accumulating 458 runs at a formidable strike fee of 144.
He looms as a critical contender for the vacant opening place left by the retired Aaron Finch within the Australian T20 aspect, whereas continued kind within the one-day format might give him an opportunity within the Australian high order earlier than the World Cup in India in October.
Short mentioned it was a “relief” to submit his maiden century for Victoria after a number of dismissals within 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 mentioned.
“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 additionally impressed with the ball on Tuesday, with a cagey seven over spell that solely leaked 23 runs.
Working within the nets with Test sensation Todd Murphy and Victorian spin bowling coach Craig Howard had led to his off spin enhancing considerably this season, Short mentioned.
“Howie has been really good for me just to line me up a bit better and use my height a bit better,” he mentioned.
“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 level with the win, preserving their Marsh Cup hopes alive as they moved into second spot on the ladder behind Western Australia.
Originally printed as Victorian all-rounder Matt Short strengthens white-ball claims with century
Source: www.dailytelegraph.com.au
