![3 replacements for Matthew Short [Source: AP Photo]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1740812217465_matthewshortreplacement.jpg?type=mq)
3 replacements for Matthew Short [Source: AP Photo]
Australia have suffered another injury blow as their star opener, Matthew Short is nursing a quad injury and could potentially miss the Champions Trophy semi-finals Vs India/New Zealand. The news was confirmed by skipper Steve Smith, who stated that the opener was struggling to move in the last match Vs Afghanistan.
The Aussies are already without their key players in Pat Cummins, Mitch Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Mitch Marsh, and a fresh injury blow has put their Champions Trophy campaign in jeopardy. If Short doesn't feature in the semis, Australia have 3 ways to go to replace him in the opening slot.
1) Open with Jake Fraser-McGurk
JFM ODI stats as opener
| Criterion | Data |
|---|---|
| Matches | 6 |
| Runs | 89 |
| Average | 14.83 |
The most likely option is to open with Jake Fraser-McGurk as the righty-lefty combination could do wonders for the Aussies. The young star has a lot of potential to succeed, but he is yet to make a mark in the 50-over format.
The opener is short of confidence, and coming into play in the middle of the tournament without much game time could hinder his game-play. However, the Aussies don't have many options, and if they want a like-to-like replacement, JFM is the way to go.
2) Open with Steve Smith, bring in Hardie
The other option apart from JFM is going in with Steve Smith as the opener. The Aussie captain hasn't open for his team in the ODIs, but has prior experience of opening in Tests and T20Is. As an opener in T20Is, he has played 4 matches, and has racked up 86 runs, at an average of 21.
Not the most promising numbers, but while Travis Head can go berserk from the other end, Smith can play a calm and composed knock. With Smith going at top, Australia could bring in Aaron Hardie in place of Short, as the all-rounder will give an extra bowling option.
3) Josh Inglis to open in place of Short
| Criterion | Data |
|---|---|
| Matches | 4 |
| Runs | 119 |
| Strike-rate | 138 |
Someone who has prior experience of opening for Australia, Josh Inglis is another strong contender to replace Short. He has opened in 4 innings in ODIs, and has 119 runs, at an average of 39.67.
Moreover, he has a strike-rate of 138 as an opener, and can compliment Travis Head as an aggressive opener. With Inglis moving at the top, Hardie can come in as an all-rounder in the team.
 "Anurag Dasgupta")
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