Australian opening batsman D’Arcy Short was ruled out from Western Australia’s opening match of the 2018/19 JLT One-Day Cup (Australian domestic List A tournament) after being bitten by his pet dog, Ralphy.

It happened around two weeks ago according to a statement from his team as Short’s dog bit his hand when they were playing.

WACA sports science sports medicine manager Nick Jones stated, “D’Arcy had an unlucky incident two weeks ago while playing with his dog, where his hand got in the way of a dog toy and the bite caused a deep laceration to the palm of his hand.”

Western Australia had their first game of 2018/19 JLT One-Day Cup on Tuesday (September 18) against New South Wales at Perth, but Short was ruled out from that game due to that injury. However, the team expects that Short will be available for their second game of the tournament against South Australia at Perth on this Saturday (September 22).

The statement added, “He needed a few stitches and surgical washout but has returned to batting and catching balls this week, and is on track for selection in round two [against South Australia on Saturday].”

Prior to the tournament, the team has suffered three big blows including that Short’s injury. Apart from the opening batsman, the all-rounder Marcus Stoinis and the medium pacer Matthew Kelly also have been ruled out due to injuries. Simon Mackin, Will Bosisto and Sam Whiteman have replaced these injured players.

Meanwhile, these injuries can’t stop the defending champions Western Australia to achieve their victory in their opening game of the new season. New South Wales were restricted to 204 runs in 43.4 overs which were successfully chased down by Western Australia in 32.2 overs after losing six wickets as they won the match by four wickets with 106 balls to remaining. Aston Turner rescued Western Australia by playing an impressive unbeaten knock of 70 runs.