New Delhi, 6 November (H.S.): Australian all-rounder Matt Short has clearly stated that while he prefers opening the batting, he believes his most viable opportunity to secure a place in the squad for the 2026 T20 World Cup, to be held in India and Sri Lanka, is in the middle or lower order.The 29-year-old was included as a reserve player outside the 15-man squad during last year's T20 World Cup in the West Indies but did not get an opportunity to play in any of the matches.

The current T20 series against India, set to conclude in Queensland with matches at the Gold Coast and the Gabba, is considered crucial for Short's ambitions.One of Short's most notable innings was an explosive 66 off 30 balls he scored while opening against South Africa in 2023. However, in the first two matches of the ongoing series, he has batted at number seven.

On Thursday, Short revealed that the team management has provided him with a clear pathway to contend for a spot in the World Cup squad.

Personally, I view opening as my strongest suit, but following discussions with the selectors and coaching staff, it has become evident that our top-four or top-five batting positions are largely solidified for the World Cup, Short said, as quoted by Cricket Australia. If I am to break into the playing eleven, my most significant opportunity lies in the middle or lower order.

He added, Participating in a World Cup would be a monumental achievement for me. I was a reserve in the West Indies and didn't get to play, but representing Australia is always a matter of immense pride—be it in a World Cup or a bilateral series.

Short, who captains the Adelaide Strikers, gained national recognition following his outstanding performances in BBL 12 and BBL 13, where he was named Player of the Tournament. His powerful batting and skillful off-spin bowling earned him a call-up to Australia's T20 and ODI teams.

Short mentioned that he is now focused on improving his batting against spin, a key skill for the subcontinent conditions.Given the conditions expected in India and Sri Lanka, my performance against spin bowling must improve significantly, he explained.

We have established power-hitters like Tim David, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Owen, and Marcus Stoinis, all of whom possess extensive experience playing in India and are adept against spin. Consequently, I must develop my capabilities in that specific area.

Earning a spot in the Australian team is never a given, but that challenge is what drives me to improve. The path forward will become clearer in the coming months, he concluded.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar