In the world of cricket, few names capture the imagination quite like D’Arcy Short. Born on August 9, 1990, in Katherine, Northern Territory, D’Arcy Short has emerged as a formidable force in Australian cricket. His journey from playing in the domestic leagues to representing Australia in One Day Internationals (ODIs) and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) is an inspiring tale of talent, hard work, and dedication.
Early Life and Indigenous Heritage
D’Arcy Short’s roots trace back to Katherine, a town in Northern Territory, Australia. While he was born in Katherine, he relocated to Darwin at a young age, around four years old. Short’s maternal heritage is deeply rooted in the Indigenous Australian culture, with a direct connection to an Apiscal Ancestor. The Migunberri people, also known as the Mt. Barney/Christmas creek clan, are the Indigenous Australian group to which he has ancestral ties. The name “Migunberri” translates to “Mountain Spike People,” reflecting the numerous mountains that dot their ancestral lands in the Upper-Logan river valley, Queensland.
To honor his Indigenous heritage, there is a special memorial dedicated to D’Arcy Short’s Apiscal Ancestor, Elizabeth Wheeler, within the Yugambeh Museum.
Short’s introduction to cricket came at a young age, given that his parents operated an indoor sports center in Darwin. He developed his cricketing skills by playing indoor cricket and gradually progressed through the Darwin grade cricket leagues. At the age of 16, Short made the significant commitment to commute between Darwin and Adelaide to participate in the South Australian Grade Cricket League. This move was a testament to his determination to play at higher levels, and it paved the way for his journey in the cricketing world.
Domestic Cricket and Debut
D’Arcy Short made his List A cricket debut in November 2011, representing the Northern Territory against New South Wales in the 2011-12 Ryobi One-Day Cup. In his debut match, he may have only scored three runs, but his left-arm unorthodox spin bowling made an impact as he took two wickets, including one on just the second delivery he bowled.
He made his debut for Western Australia in the Futures League in February 2010, a significant moment in his career that stemmed from his impressive performance for the Northern Territory in the Imparja Cup in 2009. His potential was further recognized when he was selected for an Indigenous Australian cricket team that toured England in June and July 2009.
In March 2011, D’Arcy Short was honored with the Lord’s Taverners Indigenous Cricketer of the Year award, acknowledging his remarkable contributions to the sport.
D’Arcy Short’s transition to first-class cricket occurred during the 2016-17 Sheffield Shield season, as he donned Western Australia’s colors for the first time on November 17, 2016. Subsequently, he ventured into the high-octane world of Twenty20 (T20) cricket by making his debut for the Hobart Hurricanes in the 2016-17 Big Bash League season on December 23, 2016. His debut was nothing short of spectacular, as he scored a rapid 61 off 29 balls.
Setting Records in T20 Cricket
On January 10, 2018, D’Arcy Short etched his name in the annals of Big Bash League history by scoring the highest individual score at that time. In a remarkable innings, he amassed an unbeaten 122 runs off just 69 balls against Brisbane Heat. This performance was a testament to his exceptional batting skills, and it earned him a well-deserved Player of the Tournament title during the Big Bash League season.
Throughout the tournament, Short’s run tally reached an impressive 578 runs, which included five half-centuries and a century. This made him the highest run-scorer in the competition’s history. Additionally, he contributed as a bowler, taking three crucial wickets during the season.
The impressive run continued as he was bought by the Rajasthan Royals for ₹4 crores in the 2018 Indian Premier League (IPL) auction, marking his entry into the international T20 league.
International Call-up and Triumphs
D’Arcy Short’s international career received a significant boost in January 2018 when he was named in Australia’s Twenty20 International (T20I) squad for the 2017-18 Trans-Tasman Tri-Series. His T20I debut for Australia took place on February 3, 2018, against New Zealand.
One of the defining moments of Short’s early international career came when he played a pivotal role in Australia’s record-breaking T20I victory against New Zealand at Eden Park. Australia successfully chased down New Zealand’s mammoth total of 243 runs, with Short contributing a match-winning 76 runs from 46 balls. His opening partnership with David Warner, which accumulated 121 runs, showcased Australia’s batting prowess and set the record for the highest powerplay score of 91 runs in T20I history.
In May 2018, D’Arcy Short was named in Australia’s One Day International (ODI) squad for the series against England. His ODI debut came on June 16, 2018, further solidifying his status as an all-format player.
One of the most remarkable moments in his T20I career occurred in June 2018 when Short and Aaron Finch formed the highest-ever opening partnership in a T20I match, scoring 223 runs against Zimbabwe. Although Short scored 46 runs off 42 balls, Finch’s world-record score of 172 off 76 balls left a lasting impression. Their partnership of 223 runs was not only the highest for any wicket in a T20I but also marked the first 200+ run stand in a T20I match. Australia secured a resounding victory with a 100-run margin, marking one of their biggest wins in T20Is.
Following the interruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Short was named in a preliminary 26-man squad to train for a possible tour to England in July 2020. While he didn’t embark on the England tour, he made a triumphant return to international duty in the T20I series against India.
A Global T20 Sensation
D’Arcy Short’s cricketing prowess extends beyond the borders of Australia. His impactful performances have earned him opportunities in global T20 leagues. In July 2022, he was signed by the Dambulla Giants for the third edition of the Lanka Premier League, highlighting his growing reputation as a T20 sensation.
The versatile cricketer’s journey in T20 leagues spans from the Indian Premier League (IPL) to England’s T20 Blast, with notable stints at Rajasthan Royals and Durham. His ability to adapt to different conditions and formats further underscores his value in the T20 cricketing arena.
The Road Ahead
D’Arcy Short’s cricketing journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. His rise from the domestic circuits to international fame, combined with his extraordinary performances in T20 cricket, signifies a bright future in the sport. As he continues to represent Australia with distinction and make a mark in T20 leagues worldwide, fans eagerly anticipate more spectacular moments from this cricketing sensation.
D’Arcy Short’s story is a testament to the power of talent, determination, and dedication, and it serves as an inspiration for aspiring cricketers around the world. His ability to shine on the international stage and in various T20 leagues underscores his versatility as a cricketer and sets the stage for even greater achievements in the years to come. Cricket enthusiasts eagerly await the next chapter in the remarkable journey of D’Arcy Short.
