Short could prove crucial for Warriors

Allrounder D’Arcy Short could prove to be Western Australia's secret weapon during the upcoming Matador BBQs One-Day Cup.

Short hasn’t played for Western Australia for almost five years, but received a call up to the squad when star internationals Ashton Agar and Shaun Marsh were ruled out of the early stages of the tournament through injury.

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The 26-year-old showed what he is capable of during a Matador Cup warm-up game against Victoria on Thursday as he compiled a classy century and picked up four wickets in a tremendous individual performance.

What makes Short's story all that more impressive is the fact that he has virtually been unsighted on the domestic scene since he played his only game for Western Australia against New South Wales back in November 2011 and was mainly remembered for picking up the prized wicket of former Test star Simon Katich during that match.

Back then Short bowled left arm orthodox and was told he was overweight by Western Australia coach Justin Langer, while now he bowls leg spin and appears to be in a much better physical shape having shed the excess weight that saw him out of favour for so many years.

"Darcy is a terrific story," Western Australia skipper Adam Voges admitted on Friday.

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"He has come from outside our program and done all his own work and that makes it all the more impressive from my point of view.

"I faced him in a grade game a couple of years ago expecting an orthodox and I got a leggie.

"He has been working on them for a while and is bowling beautifully at the moment.

"He took four wickets yesterday and if selected he adds that bit of wicket taking dimension to our attack which can be really helpful."

Langer remembers his message to Short back in 2011, when he told the talented youngster he needed to work harder if he wanted to make it as a professional cricketer.

"Everyone has been telling me you are a fat kid from Gosnells, you are lazy and have a mediocre work ethic," Langer recalled saying to Short. 

"But if you can find some discipline, come to training and do the right things, we will see if we can give you a go."

Short impressed Langer with a string of good performances during the Imparja Cup last year and his recent form has him well placed for a recall to Western Australia side for their Matador Cup opener against South Australia on Sunday.

"He is now bowling (left-arm orthodox) and is probably our best spinner at the moment," Langer said. 

"He is also a brilliant fieldsman and could be a modern version of Brad Hogg."