teachnet
NEW DELHI: The Australian cricket team is set to embark on a white-ball tour of the United Kingdom in September, with matches scheduled against Scotland and England. Chief selector George Bailey announced a 15-man squad on Monday, with Mitchell Marsh named as the captain.
The squad also includes 16-year-old Cooper Connolly, who has received his first call-up for the T20I matches on the tour.
Connolly’s journey to this moment began three years ago at Willowmoore Park in Benoni, South Africa, a venue located about 20 kilometers east of Johannesburg.
In a less glamorous setting compared to the recent BBL final at Optus Stadium, which drew over 50,000 fans, Connolly experienced a defining moment in his young career.
Despite the modest crowd at Willowmoore Park, the stakes were high for the then 16-year-old Connolly. He was given the opportunity to play in the final game of the 2020 men’s Under-19 World Cup against the West Indies after Jake Fraser-McGurk had to withdraw from the tournament due to a monkey scratch incident.
Connolly seized the moment and scored a 47-ball half-century, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure. Over the next four years, Connolly’s talent and contributions played a significant role in the Perth Scorchers’ success, helping them secure a record fifth men’s Big Bash title.
Additionally, he was instrumental in Western Australia’s three consecutive Sheffield Shield victories. His consistent performances and ability to deliver in crucial moments have now earned him a place in Australia’s T20 squad for the upcoming tour of the UK, marking his first international call-up.
The call from national selector Tony Dodemaide was a “surreal moment” for Connolly. “I couldn’t sit still, I was walking around for about 10-15 minutes, it was such a surreal moment,” IANS quoted Connolly as saying to cricket.com.au.
Despite his success with the Scorchers and WA, Connolly admits that he is venturing into uncharted territory. “I’ve never experienced this level (international cricket), so it’ll be nice to learn from some of the guys going, some quality players including the likes of Travis Head,” he said.
“I’ll get (over) there, get learning and hopefully, if I get my opportunity, I’ll make the most of it.”
Despite his relatively short stint in top-level cricket, having participated in just 15 matches since his BBL debut in January of the previous year, Connolly demonstrated remarkable versatility. His exposure to various playing conditions, such as leading the Australian team at the 2022 U19 World Cup held in the West Indies and being part of a tour to India, further bolstered his qualifications.
Connolly’s capacity to excel under high-pressure situations was showcased during the BBL 12 final against Brisbane Heat. He played a pivotal role in the Scorchers’ victory by contributing an essential 25 runs off just 11 deliveries, remaining unbeaten. This ability to perform in crucial moments established him as a dependable middle-order finisher, a position that was previously occupied by experienced players such as Matty Wade and Marcus Stoinis.
As he prepares for the UK tour, Connolly remains grounded and focused on his growth. At just 20, he recognises that he is far from a finished product. “I’m trying to take every opportunity because I want to allow myself the best opportunity to represent my country in any position that’s required,” he said.
Despite his desire to open the batting, he acknowledges the learning curve and aims to excel in the middle-order role where he has already shown promise.
“I found my way a little bit towards the back end of the Big Bash last season at six and worked out how to play that role a bit better. I still want to open the batting, it’s quite a good spot to be.
“It’s just going to take some time and it was something new to me, I haven’t had that much exposure or experience with it so over time I’ll hopefully get better and maybe get some opportunities in coming years.”
Connolly frequently reminisces about his experience in Benoni in February 2020, a pivotal point that catalyzed his swift ascent. The event in Benoni served as a launchpad for Connolly’s career, instilling in him the self-assurance needed to pursue his aspirations.
“That tournament doesn’t feel like a long ago at all,” he said. “I made (64 off 53 balls) at 16 years of age which was a real confidence booster for myself, I thought I could potentially make it to the next level.
“It was strange circumstances that I got the opportunity and I just tried to make the most of it as much as I could. It’s always nice to have in the back of your mind but then again I was 16 at the first one and 18 at the last one, there’s so much growth that has happened between then and now.
“And I feel like there’s so much more growth I can give to my cricketing ability and hopefully I can show some of my talent if that opportunity presents (in the UK).
“It’s pretty surreal to be saying that I could be standing shoulder-to-shoulder with some of these guys, it won’t feel real for the first bit but hopefully I can settle in … have some fun and see what happens.”
Australia T20 squad: Mitchell Marsh (c), Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Cameron Green, Aaron Hardie, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Spencer Johnson, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa.
The squad also includes 16-year-old Cooper Connolly, who has received his first call-up for the T20I matches on the tour.
Connolly’s journey to this moment began three years ago at Willowmoore Park in Benoni, South Africa, a venue located about 20 kilometers east of Johannesburg.
In a less glamorous setting compared to the recent BBL final at Optus Stadium, which drew over 50,000 fans, Connolly experienced a defining moment in his young career.
Despite the modest crowd at Willowmoore Park, the stakes were high for the then 16-year-old Connolly. He was given the opportunity to play in the final game of the 2020 men’s Under-19 World Cup against the West Indies after Jake Fraser-McGurk had to withdraw from the tournament due to a monkey scratch incident.
Connolly seized the moment and scored a 47-ball half-century, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure. Over the next four years, Connolly’s talent and contributions played a significant role in the Perth Scorchers’ success, helping them secure a record fifth men’s Big Bash title.
Additionally, he was instrumental in Western Australia’s three consecutive Sheffield Shield victories. His consistent performances and ability to deliver in crucial moments have now earned him a place in Australia’s T20 squad for the upcoming tour of the UK, marking his first international call-up.
The call from national selector Tony Dodemaide was a “surreal moment” for Connolly. “I couldn’t sit still, I was walking around for about 10-15 minutes, it was such a surreal moment,” IANS quoted Connolly as saying to cricket.com.au.
Despite his success with the Scorchers and WA, Connolly admits that he is venturing into uncharted territory. “I’ve never experienced this level (international cricket), so it’ll be nice to learn from some of the guys going, some quality players including the likes of Travis Head,” he said.
“I’ll get (over) there, get learning and hopefully, if I get my opportunity, I’ll make the most of it.”
Despite his relatively short stint in top-level cricket, having participated in just 15 matches since his BBL debut in January of the previous year, Connolly demonstrated remarkable versatility. His exposure to various playing conditions, such as leading the Australian team at the 2022 U19 World Cup held in the West Indies and being part of a tour to India, further bolstered his qualifications.
Connolly’s capacity to excel under high-pressure situations was showcased during the BBL 12 final against Brisbane Heat. He played a pivotal role in the Scorchers’ victory by contributing an essential 25 runs off just 11 deliveries, remaining unbeaten. This ability to perform in crucial moments established him as a dependable middle-order finisher, a position that was previously occupied by experienced players such as Matty Wade and Marcus Stoinis.
As he prepares for the UK tour, Connolly remains grounded and focused on his growth. At just 20, he recognises that he is far from a finished product. “I’m trying to take every opportunity because I want to allow myself the best opportunity to represent my country in any position that’s required,” he said.
Despite his desire to open the batting, he acknowledges the learning curve and aims to excel in the middle-order role where he has already shown promise.
“I found my way a little bit towards the back end of the Big Bash last season at six and worked out how to play that role a bit better. I still want to open the batting, it’s quite a good spot to be.
“It’s just going to take some time and it was something new to me, I haven’t had that much exposure or experience with it so over time I’ll hopefully get better and maybe get some opportunities in coming years.”
Connolly frequently reminisces about his experience in Benoni in February 2020, a pivotal point that catalyzed his swift ascent. The event in Benoni served as a launchpad for Connolly’s career, instilling in him the self-assurance needed to pursue his aspirations.
“That tournament doesn’t feel like a long ago at all,” he said. “I made (64 off 53 balls) at 16 years of age which was a real confidence booster for myself, I thought I could potentially make it to the next level.
“It was strange circumstances that I got the opportunity and I just tried to make the most of it as much as I could. It’s always nice to have in the back of your mind but then again I was 16 at the first one and 18 at the last one, there’s so much growth that has happened between then and now.
“And I feel like there’s so much more growth I can give to my cricketing ability and hopefully I can show some of my talent if that opportunity presents (in the UK).
“It’s pretty surreal to be saying that I could be standing shoulder-to-shoulder with some of these guys, it won’t feel real for the first bit but hopefully I can settle in … have some fun and see what happens.”
Australia T20 squad: Mitchell Marsh (c), Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Cameron Green, Aaron Hardie, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Spencer Johnson, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa.
