Australia has been dealt a significant blow ahead of their ICC Champions Trophy semi-final, with opener Matthew Short sustaining a knee injury during their rain-affected match against Afghanistan on February 27 at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium.

This injury has raised serious doubts about his availability for the crucial semi-final, which will be played against either India or New Zealand next week.

The injury has come as a major setback for Australia, who had secured their spot in the semi-finals after the washout.

Despite the qualification, the mood was overshadowed by the concerns surrounding Short’s fitness. Australian captain Steve Smith expressed doubts about Short’s recovery, acknowledging that the opener was struggling to walk due to the injury, making it unlikely for him to be fit in time for the semi-final.

In response to the uncertainty regarding Short’s condition, the Australian team management has named Jack Fraser-McGurk as a replacement, should Short fail to recover in time.

With Australia’s hopes of a successful campaign now resting on Short’s fitness, the team will be closely monitoring his progress in the lead-up to the knockout match.