Aus vs Pak – Matt Short: Pakistan may need to change tactics in Adelaide

Pakistan’s insistence on bowling short on a fast and bouncy MCG pitch almost produced a famous heist, but the tactic may not be as successful in the second ODI at Adelaide Oval.

In a low-scoring thriller that evoked the heyday of the 50-over format, Pakistan’s pace attack led by speedster Haris Rauf tormented Australia with vicious short-pitch bowling on a surface that remained true throughout.

A sizzling spell from Rauf sent the pro-Pakistan crowd into raptures and turned Australia’s chase of a modest 204 on its head, before captain Pat Cummins again calmly lifted his team over the line as the home side claimed a two-wicket victory.

While the approach clearly rattled the Australian batsmen, with Rauf accounting for Marnus Labuschagne and Glenn Maxwell in successive deliveries as he picked up his pace, those fireworks are unlikely to be repeated at the traditionally batting-friendly Adelaide Oval on Friday .

Bouncers can prove risky on a ground known for its short boundaries on the wicket in stark contrast to the vast expanses of the MCG.

“We saw Pakistan’s tactics [in Melbourne] bowling pretty short,” Australian opener Matt Short told reporters on Tuesday. “But I think they might have to change it a bit on this ground with the shorter square boundaries which are the complete opposite of ‘G. It’s always a good ground to hit.”

Having only bowled a single run before topping Shaheen Shah Afridi, Short will relish returning to his BBL home ground where he has dominated in recent seasons for the Adelaide Strikers.

“It’s going to feel pretty comfortable down there to open the batting, that’s for sure,” Short said. “It’s my favorite course in the world to play on and I’ve played there quite a few times so I should be pretty familiar with it.”

It was not the start to the series that Short had envisioned, who is vying to be the permanent replacement for David Warner in the 50-over format. He had gone into the series with the inside running after opening in three of the last four ODIs in England and made a match-winning 30-ball 58 in the series-decider at Bristol in a performance that showcased his great batting ability.

“I came into this series with high ambitions to try and cement my place in the team,” Short said. “I’ll go out there and keep trying to be positive and play aggressive cricket. It should pay off at some point.”

With regular opener Travis Head on paternity leave, Short and Jake Fraser-McGurk have formed a new opening duo, although both fell within the first four overs of the first game.

Fraser-McGurk, who is also eyeing the opener’s vacant spot, made 16 off 14 balls in a whirlwind innings that suits his ultra-aggressive style. While there may be some belief that Short should rein in his approach to complement his brash opening partner, Australia’s hierarchy backs an all-out attack at the top of the order

“The coaching staff gives us both the license to be free and play our shots,” Short said. “Also pitchers with Travis Head if he goes [off] then I let him go and I do my thing.

“It’s the same with Jake. It probably didn’t come off last night for him, like myself, but if he looks and hits them well, I probably won’t say much to him and just let him go. And just focus more on myself.

“The more important thing in a partnership is that if he struggles a bit, he works through whatever the problems are. It’s really exciting to bat with him…nice to watch from the other end.”

Must Read

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply