Hurricanes lose an opener as D’Arcy Short called up into national T20 squad

The impending return of Matthew Wade to the Hurricanes line-up has been tempered by the loss of D’Arcy Short to the national team.

D’Arcy Short has been called up into the national T20 squad for a tour of India next month. Picture: AAP

THE Hurricanes will be replacing one opener with another when Australia’s Test series against New Zealand is complete with D’Arcy Short drafted into the national ODI squad.

Short was initially overlooked for the country’s brief three-match tour of India but an injury to Sean Abbott has opened the door for the destructive opener to stake his T20 World Cup claims on the sub-continent.

Australia will play three games in six days against India from January 14 to 19, meaning the dual reigning Big Bash player of the tournament is likely to miss at least six Hobart fixtures after the clash in Perth against the Scorchers on January 5.

The blow will be softened by the return of skipper Matthew Wade from Test duties.

Abbott suffered a side strain during the Sydney Sixers clash against cross-town rivals Sydney Thunder last Friday, which is expected to sideline him for three to four weeks.

“It is extremely unfortunate for Sean who is very much a part of our white ball squad plans leading into the ICC T20 World Cup and the World Cup,” national selector Trevor Hohns said.

“D’Arcy offers the squad another spinning all-rounder option along with Ashton Agar, which along with the four world class fast bowlers and Adam Zampa balances the squad out nicely.

“His proven record and ability to bat anywhere in the order will also be a great asset to the squad.”