Matt Short struck 41 runs off 26 balls to help Australia beat England by 28 runs in the first T20I in Southampton.

Matt Short of Australia bats during game two of the Men’s One Day International series between Australia and West Indies at Sydney Cricket Ground on February 04, 2024 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Getty Images)

New Delhi: Matt Short wants to book the opening slot in Australia’s white-ball teams that is currently up for grabs after the retirement of David Warner.

He struck 41 runs off 26 balls to help Australia beat England by 28 runs in the first T20I in Southampton.

His blistering opening partnership with Travis Head set up Australia’s victory after missing the Scotland series as he was beside his family during the birth of his first child.

“I only found out last night,” Short said, when asked about his selection.

“Obviously, with Davey Warner out, you sort of know that the spot’s opened up. But then Jake Fraser-McGurk has been playing the last few games in Scotland, so you never know where you sit.

“But I’m glad I sort of took that opportunity tonight and played my role to help the team with a win tonight.”

He was picked to open the innings after Jake Fraser-McGurk failed to fire against Scotland. Fraser-McGurk was annointed as Warner’s successor by the retired left hander himself but he scored two ducks and 16 in three innings against Scotland.

It opened the doors for Short, who wasn’t included in Australia’s squad for the T20 World Cup. The Engand T20I was his first 20-over international match since February, his performance in which has made him more condident of securing a regular spot in the Australian team.

“It’s a personal sort of goal of mine. I’ve been in and out of the side recently over the last 12-18 months,” he said.

“Now Dave is out, I’m really trying to take this opportunity and cement my spot in this side.”

The team’s head coach Andrew McDonald has said they were still undecided about who would open in Australia’s five Test series against India in November after he departure of Warner in June.

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