D’Arcy Short, one of Australia’s star openers, is to return to Gloucestershire for the 2026 Vitality T20 Blast following a highly impressive campaign in 2025. The club has announced that the left-handed batter has signed a deal which will see him again wear the Glorious shirt this coming season.
D’Arcy Short’s Contribution in 2025 T20 Blast
The 35-year-old last played for Australia in 2020 but was in dazzling touch this season in the 2025 Blast. He topped the list of leading run-getters in the group stage with 551 runs at a strike rate of 136.04. Although he was in top form individually, Gloucestershire, the current champions, failed by a narrow margin to make it to the quarter-finals.
Head Coach Mark Alleyne Hails Short’s Contribution
Gloucestershire head coach Mark Alleyne was delighted to have Short back in action:
“It’s great to see D’Arcy Short return to Gloucestershire for the 2026 Blast. It took him a while to get going, but he really got his season going and became the leading run-scorer for both pools.”.
“He is much more than that, though, as some of his innings can really put the opponent on the back foot. His bowling, too, can offer an option to complement our attack, so we look forward to his return with huge anticipation.”
D’Arcy Short on His Gloucestershire Comeback
Speaking about his return, D’Arcy Short shared his enthusiasm for another stint with the county:
“I’m excited to be coming back to Gloucestershire for the Blast again. I loved my time last year. The club makes you feel welcome, and hopefully we can build on last year and have success and make it into finals.”
Gloucestershire Target Revenge in 2026
Having missed out on the knockout stage in 2025, Gloucestershire will be looking to push harder in the 2026 season. With D’Arcy Short leading from the front, the team will hope to match their title-winning performance of the seasons past and reach the finals again.
D’Arcy Short Gloucestershire: A Powerful Partnership
This revamped association between Gloucestershire and D’Arcy Short is likely to be one of the blue ribbons of the 2026 T20 Blast. With established form, leadership potential, and the capacity to win games with bat and ball alike, the presence of Short will be nothing short of gold dust as the county seeks silverware once more.
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