In the world of cricket, certain players captivate fans and experts alike with their remarkable journey and exceptional skills on the field. D’Arcy Short, an Australian cricketer with Indigenous roots, is one such player. Born in Katherine, Northern Territory, and raised in Darwin, Short’s cricketing tale is a blend of cultural heritage, early exposure to sports, and an unrelenting passion for the game. His meteoric rise from playing in Darwin’s indoor cricket leagues to making a mark in international cricket arenas is not just a story of sportsmanship but also of cultural pride and personal determination.
This article delves into the inspiring journey of D’Arcy Short. From his early years in the tropical Northern Territory, where he first grasped a cricket bat, to his spectacular performances in major leagues around the world, Short’s story is a testament to the spirit of Australian cricket and the rich tapestry of its diverse players. Join us as we explore the milestones and challenges of this extraordinary cricketer, whose journey is as unique as his batting style.
D’Arcy Short Batting Career Stats
Format | M | Inn | NO | Runs | HS | Avg | BF | SR | 100 | 200 | 50 | 4s | 6s |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ODI | 8 | 8 | 1 | 211 | 69 | 30.14 | 269 | 78.44 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 16 | 1 |
T20I | 23 | 23 | 2 | 642 | 76 | 30.57 | 540 | 118.89 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 71 | 15 |
IPL | 7 | 7 | 0 | 115 | 44 | 16.43 | 99 | 116.16 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 11 | 5 |
Bowling Career Stats
Format | M | Inn | B | Runs | Wkts | BBI | BBM | Econ | Avg | SR | 5W | 10W |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ODI | 8 | 5 | 90 | 114 | 0 | 0/12 | 0/12 | 7.6 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 |
T20I | 23 | 9 | 114 | 151 | 3 | 1/13 | 1/13 | 7.95 | 50.33 | 38.0 | 0 | 0 |
IPL | 7 | 2 | 18 | 19 | 1 | 1/10 | 1/10 | 6.33 | 19.0 | 18.0 | 0 | 0 |
Career Information
ODI debut vs England at Sophia Gardens, Jun 16, 2018
Last ODI vs New Zealand at Sydney Cricket Ground, Mar 13, 2020
T20 debut vs New Zealand at Sydney Cricket Ground, Feb 03, 2018
Last T20 vs India at Sydney Cricket Ground, Dec 08, 2020
IPL debut vs Sunrisers Hyderabad at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Apr 09, 2018
Last IPL vs Mumbai Indians at Wankhede Stadium, May 13, 2018
Biography
D’Arcy Short’s early life and education were shaped by a strong sporting environment and a passion for cricket. He was born in Katherine, Northern Territory, Australia, a region known for its vibrant sporting culture. His family’s connection to sports was evident early on, as Katherine’s largest cricket ground, the ‘Dr. Peter Short Oval’, is named after his grandfather, Peter Short, who was not only a local cricketer but also excelled in tennis and squash. This background likely played a significant role in shaping D’Arcy’s initial interest in sports.
When D’Arcy was four years old, his family moved from Katherine to Darwin. It was in Darwin that he spent most of his childhood, immersed in a world of sports. His parents managed an indoor sports centre in Darwin, which naturally led to D’Arcy’s early involvement in indoor cricket. This exposure to cricket from a young age was crucial in developing his skills and passion for the game. He actively participated in indoor cricket before progressing to play in the Darwin grade cricket leagues, a testament to his growing prowess in the sport.
As he matured, D’Arcy’s commitment to cricket became more evident. At just 16, he started commuting between Darwin and Adelaide to play in the South Australian Grade Cricket League, highlighting his dedication and determination to excel in cricket. This move also signified a stepping stone towards more competitive and higher levels of the sport. Eventually, he moved to Perth, seeking greater opportunities and challenges in cricket, a decision that would pave the way for his future successes in the sport.
Regarding his formal education, D’Arcy Short attended Kormilda College in Darwin, Northern Territory. He completed his education there, graduating from the college. His academic journey in Darwin was parallel to his burgeoning cricket career, suggesting a balanced pursuit of both educational and sporting aspirations.
Career Journey
D’Arcy Short’s cricket career showcases a journey of remarkable achievements and milestones. He burst onto the scene of List A cricket in November 2011, playing against New South Wales during the 2011–12 Ryobi One-Day Cup. Despite scoring just 3 runs in his debut, Short impressed with his left-arm unorthodox spin bowling, claiming two wickets, one of which came from his second delivery.
His journey to this point began with his debut for Western Australia in the Futures League in February 2010, a step he earned after his impressive performance for the Northern Territory in the Imparja Cup in 2009. Short’s talent also led to his selection in an Indigenous Australian cricket team that toured England in mid-2009. His skills and contributions to the sport were recognized in March 2011 when he received the Lord’s Taverners Indigenous Cricketer of the Year award.
In the 2016–17 Sheffield Shield season, Short debuted in first-class cricket for Western Australia on November 17, 2016. He also made his mark in the Twenty20 (T20) format, debuting for the Hobart Hurricanes in the 2016–17 Big Bash League season. His T20 debut was memorable, as he scored a rapid 61 off 29 balls.
Short’s T20 prowess continued to grow, and on January 10, 2018, he made history in the Big Bash League. He scored 122 not out off 69 balls against Brisbane Heat, the highest individual score in a Big Bash League match at that time. During this season, he amassed a total of 578 runs, including five half-centuries and a century, the most by any player in the competition’s history. He also took three wickets and was named the Player of the Tournament.
The Indian Premier League (IPL) also took note of Short’s abilities, and in January 2018, the Rajasthan Royals bought him for ₹4 crores in the 2018 IPL auction. Short’s T20 journey continued internationally, signing with Durham for the T20 Blast season in March 2019. He started strongly with Durham, scoring 46 off 40 balls in his debut match and taking two wickets in four overs.
In May 2021, Short joined Hampshire Hawks for their T20 Blast season. He was also drafted by Trent Rockets for the inaugural season of The Hundred. In July 2022, the Dambulla Giants signed him for the third edition of the Lanka Premier League.
Short’s international career began in January 2018 when he was named in Australia’s T20 International (T20I) squad for the 2017–18 Trans-Tasman Tri-Series. He debuted in T20I for Australia against New Zealand on February 3, 2018. In a match against New Zealand at Eden Park, Short scored 76 off 46 balls, contributing to Australia’s record-breaking chase of 243, the highest successful chase ever in T20I history.
In May 2018, Short was named in Australia’s One Day International (ODI) squad for the series against England, making his ODI debut on June 16, 2018. In June 2018, he and Aaron Finch registered the highest ever opening partnership in a T20I match, scoring 223 runs against Zimbabwe. Short scored 46 off 42 balls, while Finch recorded a world record individual score of 172 off 76 balls. This partnership is also the highest for any wicket in T20I and the second highest in any form of T20 cricket.
Following the COVID-19 pandemic, Short was named in a 26-man preliminary squad in July 2020 for a potential tour to England. He then resumed national duties in the T20I series against India.
Conclusion
As we trace the arc of D’Arcy Short’s career, his journey transcends the mere tally of runs and wickets. It’s a narrative of resilience, cultural heritage, and unwavering dedication to cricket. Short’s story, from the humble beginnings in Darwin’s indoor arenas to the global cricketing stages, exemplifies the spirit of a true sportsman - adaptable, persistent, and extraordinarily talented.
His contribution to cricket, however, is not just measured in his on-field achievements. Short embodies the rich diversity of Australian cricket, proudly representing his Indigenous heritage. His journey inspires young cricketers, especially those from Indigenous backgrounds, proving that with talent and tenacity, the highest levels of international cricket are within reach.
As Short continues to weave his story in the tapestry of cricket, his legacy is already taking shape - not just as a player who broke records and entertained masses but as a beacon of inspiration and a symbol of cultural pride. In D’Arcy Short, cricket has found not just a player but a story that will resonate for generations to come.