The focus has shifted to the shortest format of the game as all teams gear up for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. With the upcoming edition of the tournament being less than two months away, the participating teams have started planning their squads.
In the same vein, the T20 World Cup 2021 champions, Australia, are also expected to announce their squad for the 2026 edition soon. The premier Aussie T20 franchise tournament, the Big Bash League, is underway, and the management will be keeping a close eye on key performers.
Like other Australian stars, the selectors will be keeping a close eye on Cooper Connolly, one of the young brightr prospects in the modern-day attacking T20 format.
The consistent performer in top and upper middle-order
Cooper Connolly has been one of the consistent performers with the bat in the shortest format of the game. He has impressed with his brilliant outings, especially at number three and four.
Cooper Connolly in T20s in 2025
Criterion
Data
Innings
11
Runs
314
Balls
204
Average
39.20
Strike Rate
153.90
Highest
77
50s/100s
2/0
In a total of 11 batting appearances in 2025, Connolly has scored 314 runs with an average of 39.2 and a strike rate of 153.90, hitting two half-centuries.
Out of these 11 innings, he has batted at number four in five innings, alongside two innings at number three and four innings at number.
Connolly at number four in T20s in 2025
Criterion
Data
Innings
5
Runs
122
Balls
82
Average
40.7
Strike Rate
148.8
Highest
43
50s/100s
0/0
Connolly at number three in T20s in 2025
Criterion
Data
Innings
2
Runs
136
Balls
68
Average
68.00
Strike Rate
200.00
Highest
77
50s/100s
2/0
While batting at number four, the Perth-born has scored 122 runs in five innings, with an average of 40.7 and a strike rate of 148.80. At number three, he has batted in two innings for Perth Scorchers in the ongoing BBL 2025-26 so far, scoring 136 runs in two innings, with an average of 68.00 and a strike rate of 200, hitting two half-centuries.
So, he could be a perfect option for Australia to go ahead with in the marquee international tournament. They can look ahead to have him as a stable number three or four to replace the injury-prone pace-bowling all-rounder Cameron Green and wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis.
Fits in the combination considering conditions in Sri Lanka
Notably, Australia will play all of their group-stage games in Sri Lanka. The conditions in Sri Lanka are known for their spin-friendly nature. Sri Lankan spinner Prabath Jayasuriya has been seen dominating the visiting batters at the Sri Lankan tracks.
Meanwhile, Connolly seems to fit perfectly in the Australian mix for the prestigious cricket biennial. His slow left-arm orthodox bowling might be a crucial asset for the Aussies to put pressure on the opponents in the subcontinent conditions.
Bowlers in Colombo and Pallekele Since 2020
Bowlers
Innings/Wickets
Economy/Strike Rate
4w/5w
Overall
228/216
7.53/19.2
8/1
Spinners
108/112
6.78/18.6
4/0
Australia will be playing two games each at R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo and Pallekele International Stadium in Pallekele in the group-stage. The spin-favouring numbers at these two venues also advocate for Connolly’s spot in the Aussie squad.
Since January 2020, the bowlers have claimed a total of 216 at these two venues. Out of these, spinners have bagged 112 wickets in 108 innings, picking four four-wicket hauls. Interestingly, the spinners have picked 51.85 percent of total wickets claimed in Colombo and Pallekele since 2020.
Returning back to Connolly, his batting prowess against the spinners could be a vital cog in the wheel for Australia in the sub-continental conditions.
Cooper Connolly against Spinners in 2025 (number three)
Criterion
Data
Innings
2
Runs
42
Balls
15
Strike Rate
280.00
Highest
24
50s/100s
0/0
4s/6s
2/4
Cooper Connolly against Spinners in 2025 (number four)
Criterion
Data
Innings
4
Runs
62
Balls
41
Average
62.00
Strike Rate
151.20
Highest
32
50s/100s
0/0
4s/6s
2/4
At number three in 2025, Cooper Connolly has scored 42 runs off just 15 balls across two innings against spinners, with a strike rate of 280.00. Besides that, he has also scored 62 runs in four innings against spinners while batting at number four. Connolly has a strike rate of 151.20, alongside an average of 62.0 at number four against spinners.
Conclusion: The lethal all-round blend for World T20
So, Cooper Connolly’s inclusion in the T20 World Cup 2026 squad will give Australia a spin-bowling all-rounder, with spin-hitting abilities. The mix of these two skillsets could prove to be a lethal weapon for Australia in Sri Lanka’s spin-heavy conditions.
Cooper Connolly (Source: X)
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