Allrounder Cooper Connolly Ruled Out of Pakistan T20I Series With Fractured Hand
On November 10, 2024, allrounder Cooper Connolly was ruled out of the upcoming T20I series against Pakistan after sustaining a fractured left hand during the deciding ODI match in Perth. Connolly was struck by Pakistani bowler Mohammad Hasnain’s delivery while attempting a pull shot, taking the blow on his glove.
Connolly continued to bat after the incident, facing one more delivery before realizing the extent of his injury. The Australian team physiotherapist quickly assessed the situation, and Connolly was subsequently taken off the field. Scans later revealed a fracture to the fourth metacarpal of his left hand, and the allrounder will consult a specialist in Perth on Monday.
The Australian selectors had been keen on providing Connolly with more international experience, particularly with the 2026 T20 World Cup in mind. The young all-rounder had impressed with his finishing abilities with the bat and his left-arm spin bowling for the Perth Scorchers in the Big Bash League (BBL).
“Connolly made his debut for Australia during the tour of the UK in September, featuring in two T20I matches against Scotland and England, though he did not bat and remained wicketless in his five overs. He was also part of the recent Australia A squad that played against India A, where he scored 37 runs in the first innings of the opening match.”
The injury is a setback for Connolly, who would have been aiming to cement his place in the Australian T20I setup ahead of the BBL season and the domestic Sheffield Shield games. A replacement for the allrounder in the Pakistan T20I series will be named in the coming days.
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