Cooper Connolly has been chosen to open for Australia in the IND vs AUS semi-final match of the Champions Trophy, filling in for the injured Matthew Short. The young all-rounder’s selection has caught people’s eyes as he looks to leave a lasting impression in one of the most significant games of his career.
Hailing from Western Australia, Cooper Connolly is a 21-year-old cricketer who possesses both batting and bowling skills. After showcasing his talent in domestic cricket, he earned a spot in the Western Australian team in 2023 and has also been a valuable member of the Perth Scorchers squad in the Big Bash League.
Cooper Connolly’s professional journey
Connolly’s journey started with a remarkable showing in Australia’s domestic circuit, paving the way for his call-up to the national team. He made his T20 debut for the Perth Scorchers in January 2023, where he displayed his batting skills through a string of significant innings.
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Connolly’s consistent displays in the Big Bash League caught the attention of selectors, leading to his inclusion in Australia’s white-ball teams. He made his ODI debut against England in September 2024 and played his first Test match against Sri Lanka in February 2025. As a young player, this also marks Connolly’s maiden appearance as an opener for Australia in international cricket.
Cooper Connolly’s batting abilities demonstrate his potential as a versatile player in various formats. He has stood out in T20s, with an impressive record of 577 runs in 27 matches at a solid average of 38.46 and a strike rate of 136.72. Similarly, in List A matches, Connolly has maintained a strike rate of 75.00 while scoring 117 runs in 9 matches.
Connolly has displayed potential as a bowler in T20s, taking 12 wickets across 27 matches with an average of 26.16 and a best performance of 3/25. His economy rate of 7.47 further demonstrates his skill in managing the run rate in this format.
Despite his potential, he has yet to make much of a mark in international cricket, failing to secure a wicket in any of the three formats: ODIs, Tests, or T20Is.
