Dumped Australian one-day batsman D'Arcy Short became the second-fastest man to 1000 Big Bash League runs on Friday night as he produced a man-of-the-match effort for the unbeaten Hobart Hurricanes.
The left-handed opener, who is the leading run-scorer of BBL08, passed the four-figure milestone during his explosive knock of 64 off 42 balls in Hobart's five-wicket win over Sydney Sixers.
Short reached the thousand mark in 24 innings, only behind Shaun Marsh (22 innings).
MORE: Australian ODI squad: Shane Warne blasts selection decisions
His performance was a pointed message to national selectors, who on Friday dropped Short from the Australian ODI squad to play India later this month.
But if the axing affected the 28-year-old he didn't show it, cooly bludgeoning three sixes – including one that went out of Blundstone Arena – and five fours in a typically entertaining knock.
D'Arcy short sure got ahold of that. He's smacked it out of Blundstone Arena! pic.twitter.com/4fJjKtNaH2
— Fox Cricket (@FoxCricket) January 4, 2019
He also pulled off an athletic run-out that delighted fans.
Many prominent pundits have slammed the decision to leave Short out of Australia's 50-over side, with the legendary Shane Warne particularly outspoken.
"D'Arcy Short has to play, he's the best striker we've got without David Warner around," Warne said on Fox Cricket prior to the Hurricanes' game.
Warne's co-commentator Kerry O'Keeffe agreed, saying Short needed to play given the Cricket World Cup is around the corner.
"I want D'Arcy Short towards the top of the order," said O'Keeffe.
"We've got to have a hitter, you've got to intimidate at World Cups ... Short intimidates.
"I don't know why he's not there, he has to be included in our top couple of openers in short form."
Hobart won the toss and sent the Sixers in, the visitors making a respectable 8/161 with Daniel Hughes' 61 off 40 the top score.
Johan Botha (3/22) and ex-Australian all-rounder James Faulkner (3/36) starred with the ball.
The Hurricanes looked as though they'd cruise to the target when Short was at the crease, but his departure in the 15th over made for a tense finish.
However, veteran George Bailey (30 off 17) blasted the men in purple towards the finish line before Simon Milenko (12* off 10) hit the winning run with one delivery to spare.