Australia Opener HUGE DOUBT For Semi-Final After Sustaining Quad Injury

Australia opener Matthew Short is a major doubt for the semi-final of the Champions Trophy, and is at serious risk of missing the rest of the competition, after sustaining a quad injury in the final group encounter against Afghanistan in Lahore.

Short enjoyed a solid day out, registering figures of 7-0-21-0 with the ball before smashing a quickfire 20 (15) with the bat. But he batted with discomfort and was limping. He was evidently not 100% fit during the chase.

Skipper Steve Smith confirmed after the game that Short might ‘struggle’ to make it to the semis, given the short turnaround time.

"I think he was struggling, he wasn't moving well. I think he'll be struggling with the short gap between games,” Smith said after the game.

Australia do have Jake Fraser-McGurk as the spare opener in the squad, but losing Short will be a significant blow, not least due to his all-round ability. He’s looked in fine touch with the bat in this tournament too, with him smashing a powerful 63 in the record chase against England.

Australia also have two other spare batters in the squad - Cooper Connolly and Aaron Hardie, both of whom are all-rounders. 

Alternatively, should Short be injured, Australia also have the option of drafting in someone like a Mitch Owen, who has been in red hot form in the ongoing Dean Jones Cup, Australia’s premier 50-over competition. Five days ago, he smashed a 69-ball 149 for Tasmania opening the batting.

Australia have qualified for the semi-final on the back of two washouts, but they'll only know their opponents after the conclusion of the India vs New Zealand clash.