Australia has drafted young spin-bowling all-rounder Cooper Connolly into its squad for the crucial knockout stages of the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy, after batter Matthew Short was ruled out due to a calf injury.
The decision to include Connolly, initially designated as a travelling reserve, received approval from the ICC’s Event Technical Committee early Monday. The 21-year-old Connolly, who made his ODI debut against England last year, brings versatility as a left-handed batter and a capable left-arm spin bowler.
Short sustained the calf injury while fielding against Afghanistan in Lahore on Friday. Despite the discomfort, he managed a brisk 20 runs at the top of the order before rain forced the abandonment of the match.
Speaking on Short's condition, Australian captain Steve Smith expressed his concerns, saying, "I think he'll be struggling. We saw tonight he wasn't moving very well, and it's probably going to be too quick between games for him to recover."
Connolly has featured in six international games so far, including three ODIs, and will be eager to make an impact as Australia prepares for the semifinal showdown.
Australia is set to face India in a highly anticipated semifinal clash in Dubai on Tuesday.
Updated Australian Squad for ICC Champions Trophy:
- Steve Smith (Captain)
- Sean Abbott
- Alex Carey
- Cooper Connolly
- Ben Dwarshuis
- Nathan Ellis
- Jake Fraser-McGurk
- Aaron Hardie
- Travis Head
- Josh Inglis
- Spencer Johnson
- Marnus Labuschagne
- Glenn Maxwell
- Tanveer Sangha
- Adam Zampa
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