Short eyes Australia’s T20I opening mantle after Warner's retirement

Matthew Short made a strong case to become Australia’s preferred opener with a blistering performance in the first T20I against England in Southampton.

Teaming up with Travis Head, Short contributed to a rapid 86-run partnership during the Powerplay, setting the tone for Australia’s 28-run victory.

The 28-year-old hammered 41 off just 26 deliveries, featuring 4 fours and 2 sixes, giving Australia an early advantage with his explosive start.

After being in and out of the team over the past two years, Short is now resolute in his mission to seize the opportunity and firmly establish himself as the team’s opener.

"Obviously, with Davey Warner out, you sort of know that the spot's opened up,” Short said. But then Jake Fraser-McGurk has been playing the last few games in Scotland, so you never know where you sit. But I'm glad I sort of took that opportunity tonight and played my role to help the team with a win tonight.

"It's a personal sort of goal of mine. I've been in and out of the side recently over the last 12-18 months. Now Dave is out, I'm really trying to take this opportunity and cement my spot in this side."

Revisit Jake Fraser-McGurk's blistering knock from his U19 days

Australia has plenty of options to fill David Warner's spot in the shortest format. Among the contenders is 22-year-old Jake Fraser-McGurk, who has risen to prominence following a standout season in the Indian Premier League. For the Delhi Capitals, Fraser-McGurk amassed 330 runs in nine matches, boasting a strike rate of 234.04.

Short has also been in exceptional form, securing back-to-back MVP awards in the Big Bash League and accumulating over 450 runs in each of the last three seasons.

Matthew Short in action for Adelaide Strikes in the Big Bash League // Getty Images

He has carried this impressive form into international cricket and was grateful to have the free license at the top with Travis Head.

"It's a pretty clear game plan from the coaching staff," Short added. "Just go out there with freedom and take the positive options. Trav [Travis Head] and I sort of go into the games with that mindset."

With a 1-0 lead, Australia will head to Cardiff and Manchester for the next two T20Is against England before shifting their focus to the five-match ODI series, which begins on 19 September.