Short comes up trumps for Aussie U-19s

Having failed to deliver an over during Victoria’s successful campaign at the Under-17 National Championships last season – and overlooked in the first two games of the series – Short made up for lost time as he struck with successive balls in his opening over.

While the Ballarat teenager was unable to secure a hat-trick, he did finish with the tidy figures of 2-4 from his two overs, having earlier struck four boundaries en route to 24 from 27 balls at the top of the order.

Having won the toss and elected to bat, Australia worryingly slumped to 4-71 before Sean Willis counter-attacked with a superb unbeaten century.

The Tasmanian hammered 16 boundaries and six sixes during his 75-ball stay in the middle that reaped 110 not out, guiding Australia to 6-256.

With Victorian quick Matt Fotia rested, Western Australia’s Matt Kelly stood up in his absence as he finished with 4-18 from eight overs.

The PNG run chase failed to gain momentum as they were eventually dismissed for 112 in the 39^th over.

Australia will play its next match of the Under-19 International Series against New Zealand at Marrara Oval.

To see a full scorecard from the Australia and PNG friendly, click here.