Setback For Australia Ahead Of Potential Champions Trophy Semifinal Vs India As Matthew Short Ruled Out

(L-R) Travis Head, Matthew Short. (Source: AP)

Australia suffered a big blow ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy semifinal as Matthew Short was ruled out of the game. Short struggled with a hamstring injury during Australia's last league game against Afghanistan. While he came out to open for Australia during a small chase, he wasn't comfortable and struggled to run between the wickets. His feet weren't moving well and he found it tough to play shots. He scored 20 runs in 15 balls during the short stay at the crease.

Australia can include Jake Fraser McGurk or all-rounder Aaron Hardie as a replacement for the destructive opener. Short had a decent outing against England and played a whirlwind innings of 63 to play a role in Australia's thrilling win in a chase of 352.

"I think he'll be struggling. I think we saw tonight he wasn't moving very well. I think it's probably going to be too quick between games for him to recover," Australia captain Steve Smith told Prime Video.

Meanwhile, Australia qualified for the semifinal after their last league game was washed out due to rain. Having bowled out Afghanistan for 273, Australia raced to 109-1 in 12.5 overs, with Travis Head firing all cylinders at 59 in 40 balls, before rain arrived and the match was called off. Australia's previous game against South Africa was also a washout. With two washouts and a win, Australia qualified for the semifinal with four points.

Who Will Australia Face In The Semifinal? Australia's semifinal opponent will be confirmed after the India vs New Zealand match on March 2. If South Africa beat England, they will top the group and Australia will face the winner of the India vs New Zealand match. If South Africa lose, Australia will end up as the table topper of Group B and will face the loser of the India vs New Zealand match.

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