National Indigenous Squad cricketer D’Arcy Short.
Camera IconNational Indigenous Squad cricketer D’Arcy Short. Credit: Supplied/Will Russell        www.communitypix.com.au d441567

Batsman tests top bowlers

Francis CurroComment News

The squad played in a series of matches as part of the National Cricket Championships, which also involved the National Performance Squad " made up of state and Big Bash League cricketers " and the Australian women's team the Southern Stars.

Short smashed 339 runs, including an innings of 113 and three half-centuries, with only one score below 58 in five knocks.

The 24-year-old was by far the most dominant batsman of the series with the next best batsman making 175 runs.

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Not only did Short dominate the bowlers, he scored the runs against the likes of Australian test open bowler James Pattinson, one-time Australian test spinner SteveO'Keefe and a host of other state cricketers from around Australia. Short said he enjoyed the challenge.

"Facing him (Pattinson) after playing international cricket is a great way to finding out about my ability against international cricketers," he said. "I played well, actually, and I knew there was going to be tough competition. When I was out in the middle I felt really good."

The championships were held at the national cricket centre in Brisbane, where players get access to the best facilities and coaches to help improve their skills.

The National Indigenous Squad is made up of indigenous players from around Australia.

Short and Rockingham-|Mandurah's Dane Ugle were the only two squad members from WA.

Short played his only one-day domestic game for the Western Warriors in 2011 against NSW, scoring three runs and taking 2/14 off four overs, including the wicket of former Australian test opener Simon Katich.

The left-handed batsman has struggled to break into the powerful WA batting order in recent times that included Australian test players Shaun and Mitch Marsh and WA captain Adam Voges.

Short said all he could keep doing was putting up good performances .

"I just need to keep scoring runs consistently and making sure I am fit," he said.