Matthew Short on Challenges of Deciphering Varun Chakravarthy

Carrara (Gold Coast), Nov 5 (PTI) Australian batter Matthew Short acknowledged on Wednesday that deciphering Indian mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy has posed quite the challenge. Yet, the Australian team is determined to decode his bowling style ahead of the T20 World Cup scheduled in the subcontinent next year.

Chakravarthy has managed to claim four wickets in the ongoing T20 series, which stands at 1-1 after three matches, with the fourth game set to take place here on Thursday.

"He's tough. What makes it trickier is the speed at which he bowls. We've gone through heaps of footage and all, but facing him in spinning conditions, like those in India or Sri Lanka, will be another test," Short remarked during a pre-match press conference.

The World Cup will be hosted in India and Sri Lanka in February-March.

"Here in Australia, there's not as much spin as in the subcontinent, so he's definitely one to watch out for," Short added.

Short has been a crucial component of the current series as Australia works to finalize its T20 World Cup squad. He relishes facing the "world-class" Indian bowlers, fully aware that World Cup conditions will be a stark contrast.

"There's always room for improvement. Looking at the World Cup, focusing on my game against spin is imperative, especially considering our squad's powerhouse players like Tim David, Glenn Maxwell, and others who've got spin-experience in India,” Short noted.

"Conditions will shift dramatically in the World Cup," he affirmed.

The 29-year-old praised the opponents, who proved their prowess by clinching the Asia Cup T20 trophy in September.

"India has assembled a robust team, perhaps their best. It's interesting facing them and understanding their strategy. They are number one for a reason. They bat deep and have elite bowlers, making it an admirable encounter here," he explained.

Short, primarily a top-order batsman, expressed his willingness to adapt in order to secure a spot in the World Cup squad.

"It would be phenomenal to play. I missed the West Indies edition as a reserve. I cherish playing for Australia. Personally, I thrive at the top, but with intense competition for top spots, my potential World Cup role might be in the middle or lower order, making this series vital for positional experimentation," he stated.

Addressing the comparative difficulties of different batting positions, Short elucidated: "Opening lets you settle with potential to face all 20 overs, but batting later requires immediate aggression. It's perceived as the easiest spot initially with fewer fielders in play. Later innings play comes with its own strategic challenges."

For the remainder of the series, Australia faces the absence of star pacer Josh Hazlewood, as his focus shifts to Ashes preparations. Nonetheless, Short is confident in the remaining bowling squad's capabilities.

"Losing Hazlewood is substantial, but our squad is robust and others are ready to step up," he concluded.

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