Australia's players will take different lessons from this ODI series against India. For Matt Short, it represents a crucial opportunity to stake his claim for a top-order spot amid what is shaping up to be a fierce selection battle heading into the 2027 ODI World Cup.
The rain-marred opening game in Perth marked Short's 16th ODI since making his debut, where he batted at No. 8 against India in Mohali. The following year, he found himself at No. 6 against West Indies in Sydney. Subsequently, he enjoyed a consistent run in a more familiar role at the top of the order, highlighted by his career-best 63 against England at the Champions Trophy earlier this year.
Since then, however, Short's journey has been marked by frustration. A quad strain curtailed his Champions Trophy campaign, and a subsequent side injury ruled him out of the T20I series against West Indies, as well as the one against South Africa.