Matt Short has inked a three-year contract extension with the Adelaide Strikers, capping off a stellar rise within the Australian scene over the past 12 months.
The 27-year-old cemented himself as one of the country's best white-ball batsman last summer, earning BBL12 Player of the Tournament honours after a brilliant campaign with the stick.
Short finished with 458 runs and 11 wickets for the Strikers last season, and the franchise have now announced a new deal for their marquee man.
His crowning moment came during the side's win over the Hobart Hurricanes, when they produced the greatest run-chase in Big Bash history and Short finished with an unbeaten century.
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Matt Short re-signs with Adelaide Strikers
The club announced the news of Short's extension on Friday morning, giving them a major boost heading into the upcoming season.
“It feels great to have re-signed, obviously I’ve loved my time here in Adelaide,” he said.
“I’ve been here for five years now and [my performances have] been really up and down – with some poor years and then some better ones when I was given the opportunity at the top of the order.
“The Strikers showed the faith in me and gave me the opportunities and I am trying to pay them back with my loyalty.
“I’ve seen some good progression especially with our younger players and I think we’ve got a good mix of old and young and hopefully we can continue on what we started last season and push into the finals."
SACA general manager Tim Nielsen was full of praise for the Ballarat product.
“Matt is an integral part of our side and to have locked him in for the next three seasons is massive for us at the Strikers,” he said.
“He impacts with both his batting, bowling and fielding and we are excited to see him build on his Player of the Tournament season in BBL|13.”
This year's BBL tournament will be reduced from 14 games per side to 10, with an emphasis on quality over quantity for Australia's domestic T20 league.