Varun Chakravarthy Leaves Aussies Guessing as Short Prepares for Spin Challenge
Australia’s top-order batter Matthew Short acknowledged that Indian spinner Varun Chakravarthy’s pace and variety have made him difficult to read as teams begin preparing for next year’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.
Chakravarthy has claimed four wickets in his two bowling innings during the T20I series and continues to be a key figure in India’s campaign to secure a series victory Down Under. Meanwhile, Australia is working hard to adapt to subcontinental spin conditions ahead of the global tournament.
"What makes it harder is just how quick he bowls," said Matthew Short on Wednesday, the eve of the fourth T20I at Carrara in Gold Coast.
Short noted that Australia’s players have been watching video footage to learn how to handle Chakravarthy’s bowling. However, he admitted that facing such spin in India or Sri Lanka would be more challenging than playing on home soil.
"Here in Australia, there’s probably not as much spin as in the subcontinent. But he’s a tough one and one we’ll have to look out for," Short added.
As one of Australia’s top-order options, Short also has an opportunity to cement his place in the T20 World Cup squad. He emphasized the value of playing against world-class Indian bowlers, even though he recognizes that the conditions in the World Cup will be completely different.
"There are always ways to improve," he said.
Author’s Summary
Matthew Short praised Varun Chakravarthy’s speed and variations, noting Australia’s ongoing efforts to adapt to Asian spin-friendly conditions before the T20 World Cup.