Hobart Hurricanes blaster D’Arcy Short would happily launch sixes into empty BBL stadiums

He was part of the Australian team which clashed with New Zealand at an empty SCG and D’Arcy Short is not opposed on BBL lockouts — if it paves the way for the competition to unfold

D'Arcy Short walks out to bat in the BBL|09 elimination final. Next summer’s Big Bash could take place behind closed doors. Picture: Zak Simmonds

PLAYING an international fixture in an empty stadium felt like a practice match but D’Arcy Short would be prepared to ignite the Big Bash with no fans if it meant getting on the park.

Short was part of the Australian team which defeated New Zealand at a locked out SCG in March — one of the last games staged before the COVID-19 pandemic took full affect.

Speaking after being crowned the Hobart Hurricanes BBL player of the summer for a third straight year, Short said if the 10th edition of the tournament was forced to unfold with no spectators it is something he would accept.

Short blasts another six into the stands at the Adelaide Oval. (Photo by James Elsby/Getty Images)

MORE: SHORT FIZZLES WITH BAT, SIZZLES WITH BALL

How the 2020-21 cricket schedule unfolds remains to be seen, but Short believes players would have no struggles with motivation despite the lack of atmosphere.

“The last international game we played with no one in the stands was quite eerie and somewhat felt like a practice match,” the dynamic left-hander said.

“It sits OK with me to play in an empty stadium, I think we still have people watching on TV and we will still give it 110 per cent every time we go out and play whether there is crowds or no crowds.

“I haven’t given it too much thought … if it is something we have to get our heads around then we will do it.”

Not even missing six matches of BBL|09 could stop Short from confirming his status as one of the competition’s stars, as he beat out skipper Matthew Wade, spinner Clive Rose and rookie sensation Nathan Ellis.

Short also said the possible postponement of the Twenty20 World Cup in Australia later this year would be a blow, but believes the tournament would still unfold in the country once travel restrictions are lifted.

“It definitely would be disappointing, especially since it is something I have been [building] up to and I guess other international cricketers have as well.

“But I think it might still be on home soil, it might just be pushed back a bit. Hopefully we can still have the World Cup on home soil.”

Cricket Tasmania also announced its young cricketers of the year, with Amy Smith named the female recipient and Mac Wright taking home the Jamie Cox award.