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D'Arcy Short, born on 9 August 1990 in Katherine, Northern Territory, Australia, has emerged as a prominent figure in the cricketing world. As an Australian international cricketer, he represents his nation in both One Day Internationals (ODIs) and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is). With a left-handed batting style and a unique left-arm unorthodox spin bowling technique, Short has carved a niche for himself in the competitive realm of cricket. His journey from the domestic circuits to the international arena is a testament to his dedication, skill, and passion for the sport.
D'Arcy Short's tryst with cricket began in the Northern Territory. Born in Katherine, he moved to Darwin when he was around four years old. His Indigenous Australian heritage, traced through his maternal grandmother, connects him to the Migunburri people, known as the 'Mountain Spike People' due to the numerous mountains across their territory. This rich heritage is celebrated with a special memorial dedicated to his Apiscal Ancestor, Elizabeth Wheeler, at the Yugambeh Museum.
Growing up, cricket was an integral part of Short's life. His parents ran an indoor sports centre in Darwin, which introduced him to indoor cricket. As he honed his skills, he progressed through the Darwin grade cricket leagues. By the age of 16, his talent was evident, leading him to commute between Darwin and Adelaide to participate in the South Australian Grade Cricket League. Recognising the need for greater opportunities and exposure, Short eventually relocated to Perth, a decision that would prove pivotal in shaping his cricketing career.
Short's formal entry into professional cricket began with his List A cricket debut in November 2011 against New South Wales during the 2011–12 Ryobi One-Day Cup. Although he scored a modest 3 runs in this match, he showcased his bowling prowess by taking two wickets with his left-arm unorthodox spin, including a wicket from just his second delivery. His consistent performances for the Northern Territory in the Imparja Cup in 2009 earned him a spot in the Western Australia team for the Futures League in February 2010. This was further cemented by his selection in an indigenous cricket team that toured England in mid-2009. By March 2011, Short's talent was widely recognised, leading to him being honoured with the Lord's Taverners Indigenous Cricketer of the Year award.
As Short's journey in cricket continued, he made his first-class debut for Western Australia during the 2016–17 Sheffield Shield season. His prowess in the T20 format was evident when he debuted in the 2016–17 Big Bash League season, where he made an immediate impact by scoring a rapid 61 off just 29 balls.
D'Arcy Short's early life and entry into cricket is a tale of passion, dedication, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. From the indoor sports centres of Darwin to the international cricketing arenas, Short's journey is an inspiration for budding cricketers and sports enthusiasts alike.
D'Arcy Short's ascent in domestic cricket is a tale of perseverance, talent, and sheer determination. Although he made his debut in Australian state cricket in 2011, he found himself on the periphery for the next six years, almost contemplating a departure from the sport. However, his resurgence was nothing short of spectacular.
The 2017-18 season marked a significant turning point in Short's domestic career. He first made waves with Western Australia in the JLT Cup, showcasing his prowess in white-ball cricket. But it was in the Big Bash League (BBL) with the Hobart Hurricanes that he truly announced his arrival. Short emerged as the tournament's leading scorer, a feat that not only earned him accolades but also an Indian Premier League (IPL) contract.
One cannot discuss Short's domestic success without mentioning Justin Langer, the then-coach of Western Australia. Langer played an instrumental role in Short's revival, pushing him to achieve peak fitness and subsequently integrating him into the WA side. Under Langer's guidance, Short delivered a masterclass in the 2018-19 JLT Cup, scoring a mammoth 257 against Queensland. He continued his rich vein of form in the subsequent BBL season, once again topping the run charts.
Short's domestic exploits didn't go unnoticed, and he soon found himself donning the Australian colours. He made his T20 International (T20I) debut against New Zealand in Sydney on February 03, 2018. Later that year, he was handed his One Day International (ODI) cap against England in Cardiff on June 16, 2018.
While he showcased glimpses of his talent in the T20I tri-series, he faced challenges during Australia's tour of India. Opportunities in the ODI format came his way in 2018 against England and South Africa. However, cementing a permanent spot in the ODI team proved elusive.
Short's journey in cricket is punctuated with several milestones:
BBL's Leading Scorer: In the 2017-18 BBL season, Short emerged as the leading run-scorer, a testament to his dominance in the T20 format.
Majestic 257 in JLT Cup: In the 2018-19 JLT Cup, Short's innings of 257 against Queensland remains one of the highest individual scores in List A cricket.
First Indigenous Australian Batter: Beyond his on-field achievements, Short's representation holds symbolic significance. He is the first Indigenous Australian batter to represent the country and only the sixth Indigenous cricketer overall, joining the ranks of Dan Christian, Jason Gillespie, Scott Boland, Faith Thomas, and Ash Gardner.
In terms of statistics, Short's international career, though brief, has been impactful. In 8 ODIs, he has scored 211 runs with a high score of 69, while in 23 T20Is, he has amassed 642 runs with a top score of 76. His strike rate in T20Is stands at an impressive 118.88.
D'Arcy Short, as of the latest records, continues to be a vital cog in the domestic cricket machinery of Australia. Representing Western Australia since the 2011/12 season, he has been a consistent performer for the team. His journey in the Big Bash League (BBL) has seen him play for the Hobart Hurricanes from the 2016/17 season to the 2022/23 season. His performances in the BBL have been nothing short of spectacular, making him a sought-after player in various T20 leagues around the world.
In the Indian Premier League (IPL), he was bought by the Rajasthan Royals in 2018. He also played for Durham in 2019 and later for Hampshire and Trent Rockets in 2021. As of the 2023/24 season, Short has been associated with the Adelaide Strikers, showcasing his versatility and adaptability in different conditions and under different team dynamics.
Internationally, D'Arcy Short represented Australia from 2018 to 2020. His last ODI appearance was against New Zealand on 13 March 2020, and his most recent T20I was against India on 8 December 2020. While his international appearances might have been limited in recent times, his domestic performances continue to make a case for his inclusion in the national side.
D'Arcy Short's cricketing journey is a blend of talent, perseverance, and adaptability. From his early days in Darwin to representing Australia on the international stage, Short's story is an inspiration for many budding cricketers. His domestic performances, especially in the BBL, have solidified his reputation as a reliable and explosive batsman. While his international career has seen its ups and downs, there's no denying the impact he has had whenever he's donned the Australian jersey. As he continues to play in various T20 leagues globally, fans and experts alike will be keenly watching his performances, hoping for another stint in the international arena.
FAQs
When did D'Arcy Short make his international debut for Australia?
D'Arcy Short made his T20I debut on 3 February 2018 against New Zealand and his ODI debut on 16 June 2018 against England.
Which teams has D'Arcy Short represented in the Big Bash League?
D'Arcy Short has played for the Hobart Hurricanes and, as of the 2023/24 season, the Adelaide Strikers.
Has D'Arcy Short played in the Indian Premier League (IPL)?
Yes, D'Arcy Short was bought by the Rajasthan Royals in the 2018 IPL auction.
What is D'Arcy Short's highest individual score in the Big Bash League?
D'Arcy Short scored 122 not out against Brisbane Heat, which was the highest individual score in a BBL match at the time.
Is D'Arcy Short the first Indigenous Australian batter to represent the country?
Yes, D'Arcy Short is the first Indigenous Australian batter to represent Australia in international cricket.
