“We’re going to open the batting with D’arcy”: Ricky Ponting confirms D’arcy Short as permanent opener of Hobart Hurricanes in Big Bash League 2022-23

Hobart Hurricanes are starting their BBL 2022-23 campaign against Melbourne Stars at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The Hurricanes won the toss and opted to bowl first against the Stars. This side looks solid this time around, and they will be eager to get their first BBL trophy.

With the arrival of Jimmy Neesham, Shadab Khan and Asif Ali, the Hurricanes can put their star Aussie players at the top. Ben McDermott, D’arcy Short, Matthew Wade and Tim David will have some cushion at the back this time around, and this is great news for the Hurricanes fans around.

All eyes will be on D’arcy Short again as he is one of the best players in the history of the tournament. Short has scored 2353 BBL runs at 39.89, whereas he has also scalped 34 wickets with the ball.

Ricky Ponting confirms D’arcy Short as permanent opener of Hobart Hurricanes

Hobart Hurricanes’ all-rounder D’arcy Short has been one of the most consistent players in the BBL as he has been a brilliant opener, whereas his left-arm spin has also been great. However, he is not at his best in the last few seasons and his strike-rate has been under some scrutiny.

Short is a natural opener, but his positions were changed quite a lot last season. Although, Ricky Ponting has confirmed that Short will be the permanent opener for the Hurricanes this season, and he will be given a good run. He said that he wants Short to be the in the schemes of Australia again.

“We’re going to open the batting with D’Arcy this year, he’s been up and down the order the last couple of seasons,” Ponting said.

“I want to try and reinvigorate him into being one of the best openers in Australia and I think we can do it.”

Ponting insists that the new coaching staff will put their shoulders around Short, and he is confident Short will again finish in the top run-scorers of the season given his quality. Short scored 444 runs last season with the help of a couple of half-centuries, but his S/R was just 113.26.