- Australian batter Matthew Short appointed captain for Adelaide Strikers in BBL13.
- Short’s standout 2022-23 season and debut in T20I and ODI formats swiftly led to his captaincy for Strikers.
In a significant development for the ongoing Big Bash League (BBL) season, Matthew Short, the accomplished top-order batter from Australia, has assumed the role of captain for the Adelaide Strikers, succeeding Travis Head. The announcement comes on the heels of Short’s outstanding performance in the 2022-23 season, where he not only emerged as the player of the tournament but also showcased his all-round capabilities by amassing 458 runs and claiming 11 wickets. This stellar display earned him both T20I and ODI debuts for the national side.
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Short’s captaincy stint with the Strikers positions him as a strong contender for a spot in the 2024 T20 World Cup squad. However, the competition for top-order batting positions remains fierce, with the likes of Travis Head, David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, and Steven Smith in the mix. Notably, following the recent T20I series in India post the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, the 28-year-old was strategically placed lower down the order, highlighting his adaptability in a finishing role.
Expressing confidence in Short’s leadership abilities, Strikers head coach Jason Gillespie remarked,
“Matt was a standout choice to take on the captaincy at the Adelaide Strikers, and we are thrilled to announce him as our sixth captain. When he stepped up last year, we were very impressed with his leadership, and we are looking forward to seeing him grow further into the role.”
In response to his appointment, Short conveyed his enthusiasm for leading the team, stating,
“I really enjoyed the little taste of captaincy I got last season, and I’m excited to put my full attention to it in BBL13.”
Adelaide Strikers are set to commence their BBL campaign against Brisbane Heat at Adelaide Oval on December 9. However, the team will be without the services of Travis Head and Alex Carey for most matches, aligning with the Test schedule of the national side. The duo is expected to rejoin the squad between the Pakistan and West Indies series in mid-January. The Strikers aim for a better showing this season after finishing seventh in the points table in the last edition, securing just five wins from 14 matches.
