Who is Australian cricket all-rounder Cooper Connolly? Decoding his profile
What's the story
Australia introduced 21-year-old all-rounder Cooper Connolly into their line-up for the 3rd and final T20I against Scotland in Edinburg. Cooper has replaced fast bowler Xavier Bartlett in the playing XI. This marks Connolly's debut in international cricket after just 20 domestic matches. He is an interesting prospect for the Aussies. He is a crucial left-handed batter and can bowl slow left-arm orthodox. Here are the details.
Stats
Cooper's batting stats across formats
Cooper has played just one First-Class match so far, scoring 108 runs with the best score of 90, as per ESPNcricinfo. The 21-year-old has featured in four List A matches. He has scored 68 runs with the best of 42. He averages 17. In 15 T20s, he has smashed 226 runs with the best of 37*. He averages 28.25 and his strike rate reads 145.80.
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His numbers with the ball
With the ball, Cooper owns three wickets in List A cricket at 39.33. His best performance is 1/25. Across 8 innings in T20s, he has taken six scalps at 15.16. His best performance has been 3/25.
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Cooper has played for Perth Scorchers and Western Australia
Cooper, who represented Australia in the U-19 format, represents Perth Scorchers. All of his T20 numbers have come for Perth Scorchers in the Big Bash League. His only FC outing was for Western Australia against Tasmania in March 2024.
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George Bailey on Cooper
Having selected Cooper for Scotland T20Is in July, Australia's selector George Bailey was full of praise for the player. "We haven't had that many bolters for a little while," national selector Bailey said. "He's an exciting young talent. Hasn't played a great many games yet, but we really like his versatility. His work through the middle order for the Scorchers has been really impressive." Bailey also highlighted Australia are really keen to explore his bowling as well.