WEBDESK: Australia may be forced to change their opening pair for their semi-final encounter at the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 after opener Matt Short sustained a calf injury in their rain-affected match against Afghanistan on February 28 at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium.
The injury has raised serious doubts over his availability in the upcoming semi-final to be played against either New Zealand or India next week.
Short injured his calf while fielding and was in visible pain throughout his quickfire 20 run innings at the top of Australia’s batting order. However, the match was later abandoned due to heavy rain in Lahore.
The no result was enough for Australia to clinch their spot in the semi-finals of the tournament with their opponent to be decided after the final two group stage games at the event.
They may have to find a new opener for the match after skipper Steve Smith revealed that Matt Short will be unlikely to be fit in time for the semi-final match.
In response to the uncertainty surrounding Matt Short’s situation, Cricket Australia has named Jack Fraser-McGurk as a replacement.
All-rounders Sean Abbott and Aaron Hardie are also in Australia’s 15-player squad at the Champions Trophy, while spinner Tanveer Sangha is another potential player that could earn a place int he side for the semi-finals.
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