Adelaide Strikers opening batsman Matt Short credits assistant coach Cameron White for his consistent growth in converting starts into big scores.
After a breakout season in BBL11 which he finished third scoring 493 runs including three half-centuries, he has elevated himself to greater heights this season, leading the league with 458 runs at an average of 41.64.
The 27-year-old also posted his maiden big bash century in the Strikers' record run chase of 230 against the Hobart Hurricanes.
Speaking to cricket.com.au, Short said his conversations with White about tinkering with his strategy when to attack opposition bowlers has been key in aiding his devlopment.
"Over the last couple of years, I'd been getting off to fliers early on and then throw my wicket away after 30 runs," Short said.
"He (White) has helped me guide my way through an innings; if I do get through that first Powerplay, it's almost toning it down a little and just batting, taking the ones and twos and the odd boundary here and there."
White, a former Sixers assistant now part of the Strikers coaching unit, told cricket.com.au that batting through the middle overs of an innings takes time to adjust.
"That's why you see underrated players - not that they're underrated within their teams - but someone like Jordan Silk and Moises Henriques in this (Sixers) team, Jon Wells from the Strikers now Renegades, they're specialist positions that are still sought after in the Big Bash.
Great effort in the crowd, but these shots are flaming off the bat of Matt Short! 💥#BBL12 pic.twitter.com/tUWVcgkGzh
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 17, 2023
"(It was) actually giving him (Short) a bit of a strategy and just working out when the right time to pull the trigger is and having a bit more method just getting back into batting mode.
"At the start of last season, he was really good, he made a lot of 30s and 40s and got the team off to a flier.
"But he only converted three of those across 16 innings.
"Whereas this year, the adjustment for him to not only get through the first Powerplay, but to have some method to his play about actually constructing an innings through the middle and not just be out for 45 off 25 and your innings is finished."
Former Australian great Ricky Ponting says Short should be in contention to feature in this year's Indian Premier League and be part of Australia's T20 team and White agrees.
"He's doing it all; batting, bowling, add in fielding and his captaincy as well, there's no surprise that there's a bit of chat about him getting an opportunity for Australia now so that's good to see," White said.
"He's got loads of ability and everyone would be hoping he'd be able to adjust his game quickly and accordingly if he was given an opportunity in any conditions but definitely the quicker wickets here in Australia he's very much suited... and hopefully he gets a chance at some stage."
The Strikers are back in action on Friday against the Perth Scorchers at the Adelaide Oval looking to keep their spot in the top four with the Hobart Hurricanes, Sydney Thunder, and Brisbane Heat right at their heels.
