Adelaide: Australia opener Matthew Short feels that Pakistan’s tactics of bowling short in the ODI series opener will not work in the second match in Adelaide due to shorter square boundaries. Pakistan pacer Haris Rauf caused significant trouble for Australia with their aggressive short-pitch deliveries and took the wickets of Marnus Labuschagne and Glenn Maxwell on successive balls. Rauf’s electrifying spell thrilled to give hosts a tough time in chasing a modest 204 target until Pat Cummins played a heroic match-winning knock to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
The same fireworks are unlikely at Adelaide Oval, known for its friendly conditions and short square boundaries—a stark contrast to the MCG’s vast expanses. “We saw Pakistan’s tactics (in Melbourne) with their bowling. Pakistan bowlers can get their tails up and bowl some quick deliveries. But I think they might have to change that a little bit as this ground is a bit different with the shorter square boundaries. It’s pretty much the opposite of the ‘G (MCG). I’m looking forward to it; it’s always nice ground to bat on, and come Friday we’ll be ready to go,” Short told reporters on Tuesday.
Talking about his batting, Short expressed his admiration for the Adelaide Oval and hopes to get the most out of it in the second game. “It’s going to feel quite comfortable down there opening the batting, that’s for sure. It’s my favorite ground in the world to play at, and I’ve played there quite several times, so I should be pretty familiar with it.
I don’t think I’ll change anything. But what I’ve done over the past couple of years has been working pretty well. I’ll stick to my match and go out there with confidence. I know I failed last night, but I’m just going to head out there and play my same role, my aggressive nature, and hopefully, it pays off. I came into this series with high aspirations to try and cement my spot in the team and had a bit of a shaky start. But I’m not going to go into my shell or anything like that, just going out there and keep trying to be positive and play aggressive cricket. It should pay off at some stage,” he said.
In the absence of regular opener Travis Head, currently on paternity leave, Short and Jake Fraser-McGurk have formed Australia’s new white-ball opening pair. However, both batters were dismissed within the first four overs of the first match. Fraser-McGurk, also eyeing the vacant opener’s spot, scored 16 off 14 balls, displaying his aggressive style.
“The coaching staff gives us both the license to go out with a bit of freedom and play our shots. I think I’m batting with Travis Head as well; if he goes off, then I sort of let him go and do my thing. It’s probably similar to Jake. It didn’t quite come off last night, but if he’s seeing them well and hitting them well, then I’ll just let him do his thing, and I probably won’t say too much to him; just let him go and focus on myself,” Short said.
The more important thing in a partnership is if he is struggling a bit and he’s trying to work through whatever we’re faced with, if there are any issues or not. I wasn’t out there long enough (last night) to help him through that. But it’s really exciting to bat with him and guys like Travis Head as well; it’s nice just to watch from the other end.” He added.
