Short backed up his Cricket Australia Futures League century with a maiden ton for Northcote in the Victorian Premier Cricket League. The stunning knock of 176 was a welcome birthday present for Short who turned 21 four days earlier.

In what is quickly becoming common knowledge, Short’s aggressive batting style combined with his patience to wait for the right ball has led to a great run of form.

Short credits a strong preseason, in which he spent time in Queensland playing over winter, for his consistent form.

“The last week especially has been huge, it’s always good to score a few runs and boost the confidence,” Short said.

“I’m definitely feeling pretty confident now. I had a pretty good preseason so to bring that into the start of the season has been really good. Batting out in the middle now I feel a lot more confident and in control.”

Like all cricketers, Short’s dream is to wear the baggy green, but he prefers to take a more short-term approach to his cricket.

Short, who captained the Cricket Australia XI against South Africa ahead to the first test, is hoping to continue his consistent run-scoring form in order to catch the eyes of selectors and is aiming to break into the Victorian side at Sheffield Shield level.

“Performance consistency is massive to try and crack into a team. I think that’s what I need to do to crack into the main Victorian team, so it was good to back up my Futures League hundred with a grade century.”

Short is also set to play in the upcoming Big Bash League which he feels will continue to develop his all-round game.

The right-hand batsmen is also working on his bowling craft. He feels in the modern game you can no longer simply get by on one facet of the game. Therefore, Short, while placing his batting at the top of the list, believes it is extremely important to improve his off-spin and ability in the field.

“I think cricket nowadays has evolutionised. You can’t just have one string to your bow. To have batting and a little bit of bowling and fielding I think really helps to be selected in teams.”

Short returned to his home club to help out at training on Thursday night alongside fellow local and Victorian Bushranger Blake Thomson while Hobart Hurricanes’ Jake Reed also took part.