After playing a match-winning knock against India in the second ODI in Adelaide, all-rounder Cooper Connolly credited captain Mitchell Marsh and opener Travis Head for their guidance, which has helped him develop as a cricketer over the past year.
Australia were in a spot of bother after losing their set batter Matthew Short for 74. Connolly, who had also been set at the crease, took it upon himself to hold one end and steer his team home. The southpaw finished with an unbeaten 61 in a game where the hosts lost their most experienced batters, Marsh and Head, early.
“Being around the group has been world-class for me, learning from some of the best players – such as Travis Head and Mitch Marsh – and taking in how they go about their game,” Connolly said at the press-conference. “The last 12 months around the Australian setup have been very important to me, and I’ve learned a lot during that period.”
So far in his short international career, the 22-year-old Connolly has played 14 matches for Australia across formats, including seven ODIs. The spin-bowling all-rounder was even part of Australia’s Champions Trophy squad. In the semi-final against India, he opened the batting with Head but was dismissed for a duck, failing to make a mark in international cricket at that time. Two months ago, he took his maiden five-wicket haul against South Africa in the MacKay ODI. His innings in Adelaide demonstrated that he is improving with every outing.
Australia’s ODI team is currently in transition. With Steve Smith, Glenn Maxwell, and Marcus Stoinis having retired from the format, there are gaps in the middle order. Connolly can cement his place if he continues to deliver consistent performances.
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