Matthew Short first came into prominence as a member of Australia’s Under-19 side at the 2014 ICC Under-19 World Cup. He scored 237 runs from six matches at an average of 39.50, finishing as Australia’s second-highest run-scorer in the tournament behind Jake Doran.

A graduate of the Victorian Cricket Academy, Short made his first-class debut in October 2015 in a three-day match against the touring New Zealand side. Despite his promise, he found opportunities limited in Victoria’s Sheffield Shield team during the early stages of his career.

Short was initially contracted by the Melbourne Renegades as a development rookie in the 2013–14 season and featured in two matches the following year. After being overlooked in BBL 05, he returned for a single appearance in BBL 06 against the Sydney Sixers. Following several quiet seasons with the Renegades, he moved to the Adelaide Strikers ahead of the 2018–19 Big Bash League.

His career took a decisive turn in the 2021–22 season when he was promoted to open the batting. Short finished the tournament as the third-highest run-scorer and struck the second-most sixes, announcing himself as one of the league’s most dangerous batters. The following season, he scored his maiden BBL century during a record chase of 230 against the Hobart Hurricanes and was named Player of the Tournament. His rise continued as he was appointed captain of the Adelaide Strikers for the 2023–24 season, during which his form improved further.

Short’s explosive batting, combined with his ability to contribute useful off-spin, earned him national recognition. He made his T20I debut against South Africa in 2023, with an ODI debut following shortly after in a series against India.