Short feels Pakistan pacers can't keep bowling bumpers at Adelaide Oval

Pakistan put up a tough fight with the ball despite getting out for 203 in the first ODI against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Haris Rauf and Co. constantly targetted Australian batters with short deliveries and used the bigger boundaries to their advantage. 

The hosts were reduced to 155/7 in the run-chase before skipper Pat Cummins decided to take matters into his own hands and got Australia over the line with two wickets to spare. 

With the second ODI set to be played at the Adelaide Oval on November 8 (Friday), where the square boundaries are not as big as the MCG’s, Australian opener Matthew Short feels Pakistan pacers will have to change their strategy.

"We saw Pakistan's tactics (in Melbourne) bowling pretty short. But I think they may have to change that a little bit at this ground with the shorter square boundaries which are the complete opposite to the 'G. It's always a nice ground to bat on,” ESPNcricinfo quoted Short as saying.

Short, who got out for just one run in the first ODI, will be returning to the venue where he has done extremely well in the last couple of years for Adelaide Strikers in the Big Bash League. 

"It's going to feel quite comfortable down there opening the batting, that's for sure. It's my favourite ground in the world to play at, and I've played there quite a number of times, so I should be pretty familiar with it."

Short has opened for Australia in five ODIs, scoring 111 runs at an average of 22.2 and a strike rate of 123.3. In the series-decider against England in September, the right-hander smoked 58 off just 30 deliveries. 

With Travis Head rested for the Pakistan series, Australia have given the opening slots to Short and Jake Fraser-McGurk. The two batters are naturally aggressive and like to take the game on from ball one.

"I came into this series with high aspirations to try to cement my spot in the team. I'm going to go out there and keep trying to be positive and play aggressive cricket. It should pay off at some stage,” said Short.

"The coaching staff give us both the licence to be free and play our shots. Batting with Travis Head as well, if he goes (off) then I let him go and I do my thing.

"It's similar with Jake. It probably didn't come off last night for him, like myself, but if he is seeing and hitting them well then I probably won't say much to him and just let him go. And just focus more on myself.

"The more important thing in a partnership is that if he is struggling a bit then working through whatever the issues are. It's really exciting to bat with him...nice to watch from the other end."

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