IPL 2023: Punjab Kings Sign Matthew Short as Jonny Bairstow’s Replacement
Matthew Short was announced as a replacement for Jonny Bairstow for IPL 2023.
Punjab Kings have signed Mathew Short as a replacement for Jonny Bairstow for the 16th edition of the Indian Premier League. The franchise took to social media to announce the replacement.
“We regret to inform you that Jonny Bairstow will not be a part of the IPL this season because of his injury. We wish him the best and look forward to seeing him next season. We are pleased to welcome Matthew Short as his replacement,” the franchise tweeted.
Jonny Bairstow slipped and sustained multiple fractures in his fibula as well as ligament damage while playing golf with friends in Yorkshire, He was rushed into surgery a few days later, during which a plate was inserted to aid his recovery.
His injury saw him missing out on plenty of cricket for England as well as other franchise tournaments, including the T20 World Cup, where he was set to open with Jos Buttler.
Who is Matthew Short?
Matthew Short was in sensational form during the 2022-23 Big Bash League, delivering exceptional batting performances that earned him the Player of the Tournament award. The Adelaide Strikers opener finished the tournament as the second-highest run-scorer with 458 runs at an average of 35.23 and a strike rate of 144.47.
Along with his impressive batting performances, Matthew Short showcased his skills as a part-time off-spinner during the 2022-23 Big Bash League. Bowling in powerplay, he managed to take 11 wickets with an economy rate of 7.13. He is expected to open the innings for Punjab Kings alongside Shikhar Dhawan in IPL 2023.
Punjab Kings (PBKS) Squad for IPL 2023
Shikhar Dhawan (C), Shahrukh Khan, Matthew Short, Prabhsimran Singh, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Jitesh Sharma, Raj Bawa, Rishi Dhawan, Liam Livingstone, Atharva Taide, Arshdeep Singh, Baltej Singh, Nathan Ellis, Kagiso Rabada, Rahul Chahar, Harpreet Brar, Sam Curran, Sikandar Raza, Harpreet Bhatia, Vidwath Kaverappa, Mohit Rathee, Shivam Singh.