Australia’s Cooper Connolly achieved a milestone in his cricketing career, receiving his Baggy Green cap before the second Test against Sri Lanka in Galle. The 22-year-old all-rounder, mainly a spin bowler, was presented with cap number 471 by former Test cricketer Simon Katich, who is also from Western Australia.
Connolly Makes His Test Debut
Despite not taking a wicket in four first-class matches, Connolly was drafted into the playing XI to strengthen Australia’s batting lineup. His first-class batting record speaks for itself with an average of over 61 in just four games.
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International Experience And Family Presence
Connolly had played two ODIs and two T20Is for Australia before being awarded his Test cap. His parents, Shane and Donna, traveled from Perth to be present on the special day. Shane, a former cricketer, and Donna had arrived in Sri Lanka prior to the first Test to be present for their son.
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BBL Success Leads To Test Call-Up
Connolly played some of the best cricket that he has shown recently in BBL. A scintillating campaign saw him finish with the highest tally of runs in the Perth Scorchers squad and was accordingly rewarded with the Player of the Tournament award. The form, in which Connolly was appearing in the tournament, made it an almost impossibility to drop him from the Test side.
