Australia star Matthew Short’s participation in the IND vs AUS T20I series has been thrown into doubt with an injury. The all-rounder played a crucial role in the hosts ODI series win last week. However, he was forced to undergo surgery on his finger this week after a cut to his hand.

IND vs AUS: Josh Philippe to feature, McDermott on standby in Short absence

Matthew Short scored a match winning half-century in the second IND vs AUS ODI in Adelaide. He suffered a severe cut after his digit got caught between the ball and the turf on an attempted slips catch off Josh Hazlewood. Short patched up and also played in the final game in Sydney, scoring 30 and bowled four overs.

However, as per medical advice, Short was suggested to undergo surgery to ‘clean up’ the top of his finger. As per cricket.com.au, Short now has stitches holding together the nasty wound that ran below the nail. Short is certain to miss the IND vs AUS 1st T20I in Canberra, but has travelled with the squad in hopes of featuring in the series.

Australia have added Ben McDermott as backup for the first two games. The 30-year-old has featured in 25 T20Is for Australia, the last of which came in December 2023. Josh Philippe is likely to feature in the XI in Short’s absence, with Josh Inglis also returning from a calf injury. Glenn Maxwell is also set to return but will only feature in the final two games of the series.