Australia opener Matthew Short is doubtful for their Champions Trophy semi-final clash due to an injury sustained during the group match against Afghanistan on Friday (February 28).
After the Group B fixture in Lahore on Friday ended in a washout, Australia qualified for the semi-finals for the first time in 16 years. However, the occasion was blemished by yet another injury blow to their squad after Short picked up a quad injury in the match, possibly ruling him out for Australia’s next match.
Match 10, Afghanistan vs Australia
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- Ball by ball Over
Short sustained the injury late in Afghanistan’s innings and looked in discomfort during a brief knock of 20 runs off 15 balls before being dismissed by Azmatullah Omarzai.
Smith: Matt Short is struggling
Speaking at the post-match presentation, Australia captain Steve Smith acknowledged that Short’s fitness is a concern given the short turnaround to the semi-final, leaving the opener very little time for recovery.
"I think he'll be struggling. I think we saw tonight he wasn't moving very well. I think it's probably going to be too quick between games for him to recover," Smith said. "We've got a few guys there to come in to fill a job."
Travis Head scored 59* in 40 balls against Afghanistan today, making it the 17th time in 21 innings since the start of 2023 that he has struck at over 100 in an ODI innings 😲
— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) February 28, 2025
Is he the best all-format batter in the world currently? pic.twitter.com/FKKFkVKBH5
Short’s injury means Australia are likely to rejig their top order. Jake Fraser-McGurk, who has been with the squad as a spare batter after replacing an injured Mitchell Marsh, is the most obvious choice. However, his lean patch in Sri Lanka raises doubt on his form. Additionally, Aaron Hardie and travelling reserve Cooper Connolly are possible alternatives in case Short is ruled out of the entire competition.
Australia suffered numerous injury setbacks heading into the tournament with Marsh (back), Josh Hazlewood (hip), Mitchell Starc (ankle) and Pat Cummins (ankle) all ruled out. Marcus Stoinis also announced his ODI retirement in bizarre fashion, despite being selected for the competition.
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