Australia Faces Major Setback as Star Player Ruled Out of ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Semi-Finals

Australia suffers a big blow, star player out of the semi-finals of ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Australia’s cricket team has suffered a major setback before the semifinals of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The team’s explosive opener Matthew Short has been injured, which has almost ended his chances of playing in the semi-finals. Australian captain Steve Smith himself has given this news.

Matthew Short was injured in the match against Afghanistan

Australia made it to the semi-finals without playing any match in the group stage against Afghanistan due to rain. However, along with this happiness, the team has also suffered a big setback. During this match played at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, Australia’s explosive batsman Matthew Short got injured while fielding in the first innings.

Due to the injury, it is now almost certain that Short will be out of the semi-finals of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Short’s exit may increase the difficulties of captain Steve Smith because many veteran players were out due to injury even before the tournament started.

Steve Smith informed about the injury after the match

After the match, Steve Smith said that Short’s injury seems serious and he is not able to run properly at the moment. He said, “I think he is struggling. We saw tonight that he was not able to run properly. I don’t think it will be possible for him to recover between matches.” The ICC has also confirmed this news on its official website that Matthew Short has a leg injury and it seems difficult for him to play further.

Short entered the field despite injury

Australia had to chase a target of 274 runs, and for this Matthew Short came to bat. However, due to the injury he was having trouble scoring runs, due to which he was mostly trying to hit boundaries. He scored 20 runs in 15 balls and returned to the pavilion. He shared a 44-run partnership in just 4.3 overs for the first wicket with Travis Head. However, this match against Afghanistan was completely cancelled due to rain.

ICC Champions Trophy: Who can replace Short for Australia?

Now the biggest question is who will open the innings for the Australian team in the absence of Matthew Short. However, Jake Fraser McGurk, who is in the Australian team’s squad, can be a good option, who can open the innings as an opener for the Australian team.

However, his presence will not give the team a spin bowling option as McGurk does not bowl. If Matthew Short is officially ruled out of the tournament, left-handed batsman and left-arm spinner Cooper Connolly could be included in the squad. He has been kept as a traveling reserve for the time being.

Big loss for Australia

The Australian team will definitely be shocked by the absence of Matthew Short. He is not only a great opening batsman but also a useful spin bowler for the team. In such a situation, his absence may affect the team’s strategy. Now it will be interesting to see how Australia recovers from this setback and who takes their place in the semi-finals.