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Australian cricketer Matthew Short confessed on Wednesday that Indian enigmatic spinner Varun Chakravarthy has been quite a puzzle, mentioning that the group is putting in a lot of effort to comprehend his different styles before the T20 World Cup in the subcontinent next year.
Chakravarthy has been performing very well in the current T20I series, taking four wickets up to this point. The series is at a tie, 1-1, after three games, and both sides are aiming to seize the advantage in the fourth T20I set for Thursday.
‘He’s tough to pick, especially at his pace,’ says Matthew Short
“Oh, he’s tough. What makes it harder is how quick he bowls,” Short said at the pre-match press conference. “We’ve watched a lot of footage, but that’s probably going to be another challenge heading to India or Sri Lanka if it’s spinning.”
The T20 World Cup, to be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka in February-March, will test visiting sides’ abilities to handle spin-friendly conditions — something Short is keenly aware of.
“In Australia, there’s probably not as much spin as in the subcontinent, obviously. So yeah, he’s a tough one, but one we’ll have to look out for,” he added.
Short, who has been an integral part of Australia’s setup this series, said he relishes the challenge of facing India’s world-class bowling attack. However, he acknowledged that adapting to subcontinental conditions would be crucial for success next year.
“There’s always room to improve. Looking at the World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, my game against spin probably needs a bit of work,” he said.
The 29-year-old praised Australia’s powerful middle order featuring Tim David, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, and Mitch Owen, all of whom have significant experience in India. “Conditions will be very different during the World Cup,” he added.
‘India are number one for a reason’
Short also lauded India’s current T20 side, which recently won the Asia Cup and has fielded a strong squad for this series.
“India have brought out probably their strongest side. It’s been nice to get our match-ups against them and see how they go about things. They’re number one for a reason — they bat deep and have world-class bowlers,” he said.
Facing India in Australia has been a valuable experience, Short noted, but he expects strategies to shift once the action moves to the subcontinent. “The conditions and game plans are going to change when we get over to India,” he added.
Eyeing a spot in Australia’s World Cup squad
A regular top-order batter in the Big Bash League (BBL), Short said he’s open to batting lower down the order if that helps him secure a place in Australia’s World Cup squad.
“It would be massive. I missed out in the last one in the West Indies, where I was a travelling reserve. I love playing for Australia. Personally, I’m suited to the top of the order, but I know the top four or five is pretty locked,” he said.
“If I do make the XI in the World Cup, it’ll probably be in the middle or lower order. We’re using this series to try players in different positions and prepare for that.”
Reflecting on the transition, he added: “When you open, you have all 20 overs to build an innings. But coming in the middle or at the end, you have to go from ball one. It’s a different challenge.”
Australia will be without pace spearhead Josh Hazlewood for the remaining games, as he shifts focus to the Ashes, but Short is confident in the team’s depth.
“It’s a big loss, but we’ve got a great squad together. Hopefully, the other guys can step up and get the job done,” he said.
(By PTI Inputs)
