![Cooper Connolly [Source: @sewthisweek/X.com]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1741079944201_Cooper_Connolly.jpg?type=mq)
Cooper Connolly [Source: @sewthisweek/X.com]
Cooper Connolly has stepped in as an opener for Australia in the IND vs AUS semi-final clash of the Champions Trophy, replacing the injured Matthew Short. The young all-rounder’s inclusion has garnered attention as he aims to make an impact in one of the most crucial matches of his career.
Born in Western Australia, the 21-year-old Cooper Connolly is an all-rounder who bats left-handed and bowls right-arm off-break. Rising through the ranks with impressive performances in domestic cricket, Connolly made his debut for Western Australia in 2023 and has been a part of the Perth Scorchers in the Big Bash League.
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Cooper Connolly's Career
Connolly's journey began with a standout performance in Australia’s domestic circuit, which quickly led to his selection for the national team. Making his T20 debut for the Perth Scorchers in January 2023, he showcased his batting prowess with a series of impactful knocks.
Connolly's consistent performances in the Big Bash League caught the selectors' eyes, earning him a place in Australia's white-ball squads. In international cricket, Connolly made his ODI debut against England in September 2024 and played his first Test match against Sri Lanka in February 2025. Being young, it is also Connolly's first time in international cricket to come in as an opener for Australia.
| Format | Matches | Runs | Average | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ODIs | 3 | 10 | 10 | 31.25 |
| BBL | 25 | 577 | 38.46 | 136.72 |
Table - Cooper Connolly's batting stats
Cooper Connolly's batting stats highlight his potential as a versatile player across formats. In T20s, he has been particularly impressive, scoring 577 runs in 27 matches at an average of 38.46 and a strike rate of 136.72. In the 50-over format (List A), Connolly has scored 117 runs in 9 matches, maintaining a strike rate of 75.00.
| Format | Matches | Wickets | Economy Rate | Best Figure |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BBL | 25 | 12 | 7.27 | 3/25 |
Table - Cooper Connolly's bowling stats in ODIs
As a bowler, Connolly has shown promise in T20s, picking up 12 wickets in 27 matches at an average of 26.16, with best figures of 3/25. His economy rate of 7.47 in the shortest format indicates his ability to control the run flow.
However, his impact with the ball in international cricket has been limited, as he is yet to claim a wicket in ODIs, Tests, or T20Is.
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