Matthew Short: Australia’s Dynamic All-Rounder Making Waves in International Cricket

Introduction

Matthew William Short (Full Name), born on November 8, 1995, is an Australian international cricketer who represents the Australia national cricket team in One Day Internationals (ODIs) and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is). A powerful right-handed top-order batter and a skillful right-arm off-break bowler, Short has established himself as a key player in domestic and international cricket.

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At the domestic level, he plays for Victoria and captains the Adelaide Strikers in the Big Bash League (BBL). He also features in international franchise cricket, representing the San Francisco Unicorns in Major League Cricket (MLC). Short has previously played for teams like the Melbourne Renegades, Punjab Kings, and Washington Freedom.

With his ability to contribute in both batting and bowling, Short is quickly emerging as a versatile all-rounder for Australia.

Domestic Cricket Career

Early Career and First-Class Debut

Short made his List A debut on July 20, 2014, playing for the Australia National Performance Squad against South Africa A during the Australia A Team Quadrangular Series. He then made his first-class debut for Cricket Australia XI on October 29, 2015, in a tour match against New Zealand.

A major breakthrough came in November 2017, when he scored his maiden first-class century playing for Cricket Australia XI against England in Townsville. He scored 134 not out in the second inning after making 51 in the first. Additionally, he contributed with the ball, taking 4/103, showcasing his all-round capabilities.

BBL Success and Leadership with Adelaide Strikers

Short had an impressive stint in English club cricket in 2019, playing for Coggeshall Town CC, where he scored 1,100 runs at an average of 55.

His BBL career saw a turning point during the 2021–22 season, when he was promoted from the middle order to open the batting for the Adelaide Strikers. The move paid off as he finished the season with 493 runs, ranking third in the tournament, and hit 26 sixes, the second-most in the competition.

Former Strikers captain Peter Siddle praised Short’s transformation, saying:

"Last year was all about finding a position for him because he’s been thrown around for a few years and hasn’t been able to lock down a spot ... We found that spot for him last year, and he got all the confidence from being at the top of the order. He’s fearless, and we saw that against the Sixers."

On January 5, 2023, while captaining the Strikers in Peter Siddle's absence, Short delivered a stunning performance by scoring 100 not out off 59 balls, leading his team to chase down 230 runs—the highest successful run chase in BBL history. He also bowled four overs, taking 1/34.

Following his outstanding performances, he was awarded the BBL12 Player of the Tournament at the Australian Cricket Awards on January 30, 2023.

International Career

T20I and ODI Debut

Short made his international debut on August 30, 2023, in a T20I against South Africa. Just two days later, on September 1, 2023, he scored his maiden international half-century, smashing 66 off 30 balls in the 2nd T20I of the series, helping Australia secure a dominant win. He played in all three matches as Australia completed a 3-0 sweep over South Africa.

Short made his ODI debut on September 22, 2023, against India.

T20I Breakthrough and Five-Wicket Haul

On November 23, 2023, during a T20I against India, Short took his first international wicket, dismissing Yashasvi Jaiswal with Steve Smith taking the catch.

In May 2024, Short was named as a reserve player in Australia’s squad for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup.

His performances earned him a place in Australia’s white-ball squad for the September 2024 tour of England. In the 2nd T20I, he delivered a phenomenal bowling performance, taking 5/22, marking his maiden five-wicket haul in T20Is. This became the third-best bowling figures by an Australian in T20I history.

In the 5th ODI against England, Short displayed his explosive batting skills, scoring his first ODI half-century off just 23 balls, solidifying his reputation as a dangerous limited-overs player.

Franchise Cricket and IPL Stint

In March 2023, Short was signed by the Punjab Kings for the Indian Premier League (IPL) as a replacement for Jonny Bairstow, who was ruled out due to injury.

In Major League Cricket (MLC), he represents the San Francisco Unicorns, adding another dimension to his global cricketing journey.

Personal Life

Matthew Short is engaged to Australian Olympic swimmer Madison Wilson, and the couple has a son. His balanced life off the field reflects his composed nature on the pitch, making him a well-respected figure in the cricketing world.

Conclusion

Matthew Short has quickly evolved into one of Australia’s most promising all-rounders, making an impact in ODIs and T20Is with both bat and ball. His ability to adapt across formats, lead teams, and perform in high-pressure situations makes him an essential asset for Australian cricket.

With standout performances in BBL, IPL, and international cricket, Short is on track to become a key figure in Australia’s white-ball squads. His fearless batting, wicket-taking ability, and leadership skills ensure that he will play a crucial role in Australia’s future cricketing success.