ENG vs AUS: Matthew Short aiming to beat Jake Fraser-McGurk in fight for T20I opening spot

Matthew Short is on fire as he aims to stake his claim for the opening spot in Australia's T20I team following the retirement of David Warner with a magnificent knock against England in the first game in Southampton on Wednesday, September 11.

Short and Travis Head’s dazzling show proved a turning point, as the openers blazed 86 runs in a blistering stand during the Powerplay to guide Australia to a thrilling 28-run victory over England in the opening game of the ongoing three-match T20I series in Southampton.

Matthew Short's fiery performance raises his stock as Australia's T20I opener

The 28-year-old all-rounder played a stunning knock of 41 off just 26 balls, laced with 4 fours and 2 sixes, giving Australia a vital early edge against England. It was a masterclass in aggressive batting, while Head contributed 59 runs off 23 balls in Australia’s thrilling win over the hosts.

Matthew Short, who has had a roller-coaster stint with the Australia cricket team over the past two years, is now determined to grab this golden opportunity to establish himself as their go-to opener in T20I cricket.

With Warner’s retirement leaving a significant gap, Short’s explosive performance against England could be the breakthrough he’s been waiting for to cement his place in the team.

Despite the stiff competition for the opening slot with Jake Fraser-McGurk, Short's current form and his contribution to Australia’s win might have tilted the balance in his favor. Short yet again reiterated that he is keen to perform at his best in England to cement his place in Australia’s T20I set-up.

I'm really trying to take this opportunity and cement my spot: Matthew Short

Matthew Short was quoted as saying by ICC: “Obviously, with Davey Warner out, you sort of know that the spot's opened up. But then Jake Fraser-McGurk has been playing the last few games in Scotland, so you never know where you sit. But I'm glad I sort of took that opportunity tonight and played my role to help the team with a win tonight.

It's a personal sort of goal of mine. I've been in and out of the side recently over the last 12–18 months. Now Dave is out; I'm really trying to take this opportunity and cement my spot on this side.”

Notably, Matthew Short has been in outstanding form, earning back-to-back MVP awards in the Big Bash League and amassing more than 450 runs in each of the past three seasons.

"It's a pretty clear game plan" - Matthew Short

The right-handed batter has continued his impressive form in international cricket and appreciated the freedom to play aggressively at the top of the order alongside the opener.

Matthew Short signed off by saying, “It's a pretty clear game plan from the coaching staff. Just go out there with freedom and take the positive options. Trav [Travis Head] and I sort of go into the games with that mindset.”

After winning the first T20I, Australia took a 1-0 lead in the three-match T20I series in England. Australia will next travel to Cardiff and Manchester for the remaining two T20Is against England on September 13 and 15, respectively.

Following the T20I series, their attention will shift to the five-match ODI series, starting on September 19 in Trent Bridge.