Photo Credit: Adelaide Strikers
The reigning Big Bash League Player of the Tournament has made a long-term commitment to the Adelaide Strikers, with Matthew Short re-signing with the Club for a further three years.
Short became the first Striker to win the Player of the Tournament Award after an outstanding all-round BBL|12 season, which saw him top the run scorers list with 458 runs alongside his 11 wickets.
In a moment that made national headlines, Short steered the Strikers to the highest successful chase in BBL history, hitting his maiden BBL ton and the winning runs off the same ball in what was a memorable innings.
It has been a whirlwind six months for the opening batter, with Short rewarded for his season with a Punjab Kings IPL contract, playing in six matches.
Short joined the Adelaide Strikers ahead of BBL|08, playing 61 matches across the following five seasons and he wants to repay the faith the Strikers showed him.
“It feels great to have re-signed, obviously I’ve loved my time here in Adelaide,” Short said.
“I’ve been here for five years now and (my performances have) been really up and down – with some poor years and then some better ones when I was given the opportunity at the top of the order.
“The Strikers showed the faith in me and gave me the opportunities and I am trying to pay them back with my loyalty.
“Also, I’d like to mention another big reason to sign again at Adelaide is because my beautiful partner Madi lives here and spending more time with her over the coming summer is very important to me.”
Short also spoke about the direction the Strikers are heading in, as well as his love of the Strikers fans.
“I’ve seen some good progression especially with our younger players and I think we’ve got a good mix of old and young and hopefully we can continue on what we started last season and push into the finals,” he said.
“The boys love getting out on Adelaide Oval in front of the home crowd, especially the New Year’s Eve game.
“It is one of the best grounds to play at in the world, it’s an exciting place to play cricket and I just love how our fans get around us.”
SACA’s General Manager, Cricket Tim Nielsen said the Strikers are really pleased to be welcoming back Short after his breakout season.
“Matt is an integral part of our side and to have locked him in for the next three seasons is massive for us at the Strikers,” Nielsen said.
“He impacts with both his batting, bowling and fielding and we are excited to see him build on his Player of the Tournament season in BBL|13.”
BBL|13 will be reduced to 10 matches a side instead of the 14 matches in BBL|12.
