Aus vs Pak – Matt Short: Pakistan may need to change tactics in Adelaide

Pakistan’s insistence on bowling short on a fast, bouncy MCG pitch almost produced a famous heist, but the tactic may not be as effective in the second ODI at the Adelaide Oval.

In a low-scoring thriller that evoked the heyday of the 50-over format, the Pakistan attack led by speedster Haris Rauf troubled Australia with vicious bowling on a surface that remained faithful throughout.

A torrid spell from Rauf delighted the pro-Pakistan crowd and overturned Australia’s chase of a modest 204 before captain Pat Cummins once again calmly lifted his team over the line as the he home team claimed a two-wicket victory.

Although the approach clearly rattled the Australian batters, with Rauf picking off Marnus Labuschagne and Glenn Maxwell in consecutive deliveries as he picked up his pace, those fireworks are unlikely to be repeated on Friday at the Adelaide Oval, traditionally favorable to hitters.

Bouncers can prove risky on a ground renowned for its short square boundaries of the wicket, in stark contrast to the vast expanses of the MCG.

“We have seen Pakistan’s tactics [in Melbourne] “The bowling is quite short,” Australian opener Matt Short said on Tuesday. “But I think they might have to change that a little bit on this pitch with shorter square boundaries that are completely opposite of the ‘G. It’s still a good pitch to bat on.’

Having made just one run before topping Shaheen Shah Afridi, Short will relish returning to his BBL home ground where he has dominated in recent seasons for the Adelaide Strikers.

“It’s going to be pretty comfortable opening the batting, that’s for sure,” Short said. “It’s my favorite course in the world, and I’ve played there many times, so I should know it pretty well.”

This was not the start of the envisaged series for Short, who is fighting to permanently replace David Warner in the 50-over format. He had come into the series with the inside out having opened in three of the last four ODIs in England and made a match-winning 30-ball 58 in the series decider at Bristol in a performance that showcased his hitting abilities.

“I came into this series with big aspirations to try and cement my place in the team,” Short said. “I’m going to go out there and keep trying to be positive and play aggressive cricket. It should pay off at some point.”

With regular opener Travis Head on paternity leave, Short and Jake Fraser-McGurk formed a new opening duo although both fell in the first four overs of the first match.

Fraser-McGurk, who also has his eyes on the match’s vacant opening spot, hit 16 from 14 balls in a whirlwind befitting his ultra-aggressive style. While one might think Short would have to rein in his approach to complement his brash opening partner, the Australian hierarchy supports an all-out attack at the top of the order.

“The coaching staff gives both of us the freedom to be free and play our shots,” Short said. “I also hit with Travis Head, if he leaves [off] then I let him go and do my thing.

“It’s the same with Jake. It probably didn’t happen last night for him, like me, but if he sees them and hits them well, I probably won’t say much to him and let him go. And I will focus more on myself.

“The most important thing in a partnership is if he’s struggling a little bit, then you have to work things out. It’s really exciting to play with him… it’s nice to watch from the other side .”

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