Dog bite sidelines Western Australia’s D’Arcy Short in opening JLT Cup match

A BIG hitting Australian cricket star found an uncommon way to miss Western Australia’s first one-day match of the season.

A DOG is supposed to be a man’s best friend, but D’Arcy Short may not feel that way at the moment.

The Australian one-day cricket star has been sidelined for Western Australia’s season-opening JLT One-Day Cup match against NSW after being bitten while playing with his pit bull Ralphy and needing stitches.

It should be a short term setback for Short, as WACA sports science sports medicine manager Nick Jones said the 28-year-old should be back for Saturday’s match against South Australia.

“D’Arcy had an unlucky incident two weeks ago while playing with his dog, where his hand got in the way of a dog toy, and the bite caused a deep laceration to the palm of his hand,” Jones said in a statement.

“He needed a few stitches and surgical washout but has returned to batting and catching balls this week, and is on track for selection in round two.”

Ralphy is a regular star on Short’s Instagram page.

The downside is Short joins Western Australian teammates Marcus Stoinis (hamstring) and Matt Kelly on the injury list.

“Marcus and Matt are both very close to being cleared to play, but we would prefer not to rush anyone back at the beginning of the season and want to ensure they have fully recovered from injury before returning to play,” Jones said of the other injuries.

D'Arcy Short has starred at ODI and T20 level for Australia after debuting in both forms earlier in the year.

The trio has been replaced in the squad by Simon Mackin, Will Bosisto and Sam Whiteman with only Whiteman getting a start in the WA side to face NSW.

The JLT Cup has seen plenty of injuries to start the season, with NSW captain Peter Nevill ruled out of the tournament with a broken thumb and Tasmania’s James Faulkner ruled out with a calf injury.

Today’s match against NSW is big for Western Australia’s Josh Philippe, Josh Inglis and Cameron Green, all who received their debut caps from Aussie great Mike Hussey.

Congratulations to our debutants for today’s game— Josh Philippe, Josh Inglis and Cameron Green!!

They were lucky enough to have Mike Hussey present their caps to them before the toss today.#WestIsBest pic.twitter.com/sldDNInxQH

— WACA (@WACA_Cricket) September 18, 2018

Short isn’t the first player to be taken out by his dog.

In 2016, Quinton de Kock was ruled out of a Test match against England with a twisted his knee after walking his Jack Russell terriers.

Short deserves a power slide after his huge year.

It’s tough timing for Short, who is looking to continue his breakout year, where he represented Australia at both One-Day International and T20 International level.

Short also dominated in the Big Bash League, thumping 572 runs at an average of 57.20 and a strike rate of 148.57, which included a century and four fifties, two of which were in the 90s.

His form for Australia has been strong as well, averaging 41.50 after three ODI matches and 41.88 after 10 T20 Internationals.

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Originally published as Dog bite sidelines Western Australia’s D’Arcy Short in opening JLT Cup match