D'Arcy Short declares he has evolved into a true allrounder as he continues to demand the attention of the Australian selectors.
The left-hander fell agonisingly short of a century but still did enough to spearhead the Hobart Hurricanes to a nine-run victory over the Sydney Thunder in their Big Bash League clash at Spotless Stadium on Monday.
Short's classy 97 off 63 balls was the difference-maker despite throwing his wicket away on the second last ball as he attempted to loft Shane Watson over the mid-wicket boundary rope.
He continues to show considerable promise with the bat despite being primarily viewed as a left-arm orthodox spinner for most of his career.
Short earned Sheffield Shield selection this season primarily as a bowler and batted as low as No.9.
But he showed glimpses of his talents during the 2017 one-day cup when he hit 132 in three innings for Western Australian at an average of 66, including an unbeaten 119 against the Cricket Australia XI.
Asked if he saw himself as a genuine allrounder, the 27-year-old Northern Territory native said: "Yeah, I do.
"I got picked a lot in Shield cricket this year to bowl as a spinner and I batted down the order.
"I want to keep progressing with the bowling as well."
Not only did Short show his class with the knock, which was vital as the Hurricanes posted their first win of the season, he did it despite suffering two leg injuries early in his innings.
After turning awkwardly while running between wicket, he rolled his ankle before copping a blow from a ball to his achilles on the same leg.
Short said he had learnt to value his wicket more and was placing expectation on himself to bat for long stretches.
"I've just put a bit more pressure on myself and emphasis on my wicket, trying to bat longer and deeper into the 20 overs," he said.
Asked about his ambitions to represent Australian at limited overs level, Short said: "If it happens, it happens.
"I've just got to keep concentrating on my game and keep being consistent."
