Although the last group stage match for Australia ended without a result, the world champions have managed to enter the semi-finals of the Champions Trophy 2025 with 4 points in 3 matches. However, ahead of the all-important clash, a major setback has once again set in the Australian camp, and this time its surrounding Australia’s opening batter Matthew Short.

Injury concerns loom around Matthew Short

During Australia’s last group stage match against Afghanistan, Short grabbed some discomfort in his calf while batting and was evidently limping while running between the wickets. The 29-year-old could only garner a total of 20 runs off 15 balls.

After the match, Australian skipper Steve Smith was asked about the state of Short’s injury and he almost confirmed that he would not be able to recover fully ahead of the semi-finals and Australia will now have to look for other options within the squad who can open the innings alongside Travis Head.

“I think he’ll be struggling, I think we saw tonight he wasn’t moving very well and I think it’s probably going to be too quick between games for him to recover. We’ve got a few guys there to come in to fill a job and we are looking forward to that,” Smith said during the post-match presentation after the game against Afghanistan was called off.

Also Read: Champions Trophy 2025: Australia secures semifinal spot as rain washes out clash against Afghanistan

A long list of injury concerns for Australia

Australia have suffered in the recent past. Their Champions Trophy 2025 preparations were stalled by skipper Pat Cummins injury after the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India and he was subsequently dropped from the team for the tour to Sri Lanka along with Champions Trophy.

Later on, pacer Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazelwood and all-rounder Mitchell Marsh were also ruled out of the prestigious ICC tournament due to injury concerns. Another major setback was added in the Australian camp when Marcus Stoinis pulled himself out of the squad and announced his retirement from the ODI format. Another setback in the form of Short’s injury could prove detrimental to the Aussies.

Also Watch: Steve Smith’s fielding brilliance gets rid of Sediqullah Atal in AFG vs AUS clash at Champions Trophy 2025

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