Cooper Connolly's 'Surreal' Moment: Young Australian All-Rounder's Maiden T20I Call-Up

Australia's Cooper Connolly described his maiden T20I selection as 'surreal.' Connolly, who starred for Perth Scorchers in BBL, was picked for Australia's UK tour T20I squad. National selector George Bailey praised his versatility and middle-order performance. Australia's series begins with three T20Is against Scotland in September.

Australia's all-rounder Cooper Connolly, who recently earned his first T20I call-up for Australia's upcoming tour of the UK, described his selection moment as 'surreal.'

Connolly was a surprising inclusion during Australia's squad announcement for their forthcoming white-ball tour. The young cricketer has played in 15 domestic T20s and made a significant impact in the Big Bash League 2022-23 final, scoring 25* off 11 balls for Perth Scorchers. He also scored 90 on his Sheffield Shield debut against Tasmania earlier this year.

The 20-year-old opened up about his selection, saying, 'I couldn't sit still; I was walking around for about 10-15 minutes, it was such a surreal moment. It's nice to have done a few things with a great team (at WA and the Scorchers), and it obviously gives me some confidence.'

Connolly expressed his eagerness to learn from seasoned players, including Travis Head, stating, 'I've never experienced this level (international cricket) so, it'll be nice to learn off some of the guys that are going, some quality players including, the likes of Travis Head. I'll get (over) there, get learning and hopefully, if I get my opportunity, I'll make the most of it.'

Australia's national selector, George Bailey, highlighted Connolly's impressive middle-order performances and handy left-arm spin, remarking, 'His work through the middle order for the Scorchers has been really impressive, and (he bowls) handy left-arm spin as well. For Cooper, that ability to bat from four to seven, we find it's a challenging spot to find and maintain players through that area.'

Bailey also compared Connolly to players like Matty Wade and Marcus Stoinis, who transitioned into successful finishers for Australia, saying, 'If you look at our T20 team over the past, we've had Matty Wade and Marcus Stoinis, two guys that have had a lot of success at the top, and they've been able to create really good careers through becoming finishers in that Australian side. I think Cooper's got that ability to be able to do something similar, and that's where he's had the majority of his opportunities, and that's where we've liked the skill set that he's provided.'

Australia is set to play a three-match T20I series against Scotland in early September, followed by three T20Is and five ODIs against England later in the month. The Scotland T20I series will be held on September 4, 6, and 7, and the England T20I series will commence on September 11.

(With inputs from agencies.)