Mitchell Marsh urges Matthew Short to 'take the game on' in South Africa

Australia are all set to take on South Africa in a multi-format white-ball series. The side will face the Proteas in three T20Is and will follow it up with five ODI games. The first T20I will be held at Kingsmead in Durban on Wednesday, August 30.

With the series right around the corner, Matt Short is all set to make his debut. Facing the Proteas, Australian skipper Mitchell Marsh recently urged Short to maintain his aggression ahead of his debut. 

Marsh also opined that the same aggression earned Short a spot in the Australian lineup. The 27-year-old top-order batter will be expected to open the innings for Australia and have many eyes set on him. 

"(He’s) very exciting. He’s coming off an outstanding 12 months for the Strikers and Victoria last year and thoroughly deserves his place. I’m looking forward to seeing him open the batting for Australia. I’ve encouraged him to not change anything and take the game on, and we’re looking forward to seeing how he goes," Mitchell Marsh was quoted as saying by Cricket.com.au.

It is worth noting that Matt Short has seen quite a rise in recent months. He was named the Player of the Tournament in the BBL (Big Bash League) 12, and he was also picked by Punjab Kings in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for his very first stint in the marquee tournament. 

We’re excited to see a young man play his first game for Australia: Marsh on Johnson

Furthermore, Mitchell Marsh also talked of youngster Spencer Johnson, who is expected to make his debut for Australia in the first T20I. In recent weeks, the young pacer has been named the next Mitchell Starc, and Marsh opined that just like Short, he has been told to relish the opportunity as well. 

"From our point of view, we have no expectation; we’re excited to see a young man play his first game for Australia. He really burst onto the scene only last summer. He’s had a few injuries over the last few years that’ve held him back, but he’s a super talent. He bowls in the mid- to high 140s (kmh) and swings the ball, so my only message to him is to make sure he enjoys this. Playing for Australia is a lot of fun, and he thoroughly deserves to be here," Marsh said.