Among a group of young players aspiring to take over from the generation of David Warner and Steve SmithShort is one of the few with genuine capacity to change momentum in a game, whatever the format.
And where Labuschagne’s wrist spin bowling has trailed off after being a very valuable component of Australia’s Ashes defence in England in 2019 – partly because he has experimented with off-spin and seam bowling rather than perfecting his leg breaks – Short’s spin has been making gains with both red and white balls.
Marnus Labuschagne hits out against South Africa.Credit: Getty Images
Intriguingly, both Short and Labuschagne have been influenced by Greg Chappell in their earlier days. The former took to heart a lesson to think first of scoring boundaries before defending; the latter was advocated for at the selection table when he was perceived to be well back in the queue for Test team places in 2018.
There is no doubt that Australia’s current selectors value versatility. They have banked on the concept of a deep batting line-up stocked with all-rounders in their attempt to win the World Cup in India for the first time since Allan Border’s side did the trick in 1987.
Marcus Stoinis and Cameron Green, two key components of that plan, will be looking to demonstrate their run-making ability. Green, capable of hitting a long ball but also of playing at a measured tempo, has the capacity to moderate the middle overs alongside Smith. Averaging little more than 17 with the bat over the past two years, Stoinis simply needs a score.
Over a three-game series set to begin in Mohali on Friday night (AEST), the selectors will also have the chance to take a final look at Short, Labuschagne and Tanveer Sangha among others. The likes of Smith, Glenn MaxwellMitchell Starc and Pat Cummins will return to active duty after injuries.
Matt Short’s off-spin offers versatility.Credit: Getty Images
Despite all their firepower, Australia’s weaknesses in one-day games were made clear by the Proteas as South Africa surged from 0-2 down to win the white ball series 3-2, monstering the tourists’ death bowling and corralling the middle order.
By the team’s own admission, there was a sloppiness about the South Africa series that must be eradicated ahead of the cup proper.
India were beaten in a white-ball series earlier this year, but this close to a World Cup on home soil they will be extremely sharp, not least after winning the Asia Cup by razing Sri Lanka in the final in Colombo.
News, results and expert analysis from the weekend of sport sent every Monday. Sign up for our Sport newsletter.
