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Matthew Short Ruled Out Of Champions Trophy; Cooper Connolly Replaces Him In Squad

Anurag Dasgupta

Matthew Short ruled out [Source: AP Photo] Matthew Short ruled out [Source: AP Photo]

In what comes as a massive injury blow for the Australian side ahead of the semi-finals Vs India, star opener, Matthew Short has been ruled out of the entire tournament due to a quad injury and he will fly back to Australia for further treatment as the Aussie gear up for the crucial India clash.

Cricket Australia announced talented all-rounder, Cooper Connolly as his replacement and the all-rounder is in line to play the all-important semis on Tuesday, March 4. Short picked up the injury during the Afghanistan game and won't be able to recover in time for Australia's next match.

Connolly, a 21-year-old left handed batter and a handy left-arm spinner has been a travelling reserve with the squad and will be available immediately for the India match on Tuesday. The Dubai surface has been a happy hunting ground for spinners and Australia could straightaway put Connolly in the playing XI.

Who all can open in place of Matthew Short?

With Short ruled out, Australia do have a like-to-like replacement in Jake Fraser-McGurk. The opener has been in mediocre form as of late, but with no other opener left in the squad, Australia might have to go in with him against India.

The other option is draft in Connolly in the middle order and open with Josh Inglis. Inglis has the experience of opening in T20Is for the Australian team and would be an interesting choice alongside Travis Head.

The Aussies have not lost to India in an ICC knockout match since the 2011 World Cup and will be looking to continue the same when the two teams meet on Tuesday.