Quiet Debut Won't Affect Connolly's Test Future

Quiet Debut Won't Affect Connolly's Test Future

Despite a quiet debut, hopes remain high for Cooper Connolly's future in Test cricket.

Cooper Connolly's subdued Test debut won't work against him as Australia envisions a role for the young allrounder in the top six. Connolly was selected for his debut in just his fifth first-class match, with the expectation that the challenging conditions at the Galle wicket in the second Test against Sri Lanka would make batting difficult. However, the pitch turned out to be manageable for Australia, except during a tough morning session on day three when Sri Lanka’s new ball attack caused a collapse of 7-64.

Australia's coach, Andrew McDonald, admitted the team misjudged the conditions that led to Connolly replacing front-line spinner Todd Murphy.

"We thought we had enough bowling options and prioritized runs," McDonald explained. "That was our thinking. Did it unfold as we anticipated? Maybe not. But it was clear we might struggle for runs on that surface."

Connolly ended up bowling just five overs of left-arm finger spin and was dismissed for four runs in the collapse, miscuing a shot to backward point.

"It was a tough time to come out and bat in the first innings. He was trying to be aggressive to push the lead," said stand-in captain Steve Smith.

That was Connolly's only opportunity to bat, as Australia lost just one wicket during the chase to secure a win and a series sweep.

Connolly has already played white-ball cricket for Australia, but his future in Test cricket is uncertain, especially with his left-arm spin being less appealing outside of Asia. Sam Konstas and Cameron Green are also likely to be considered ahead of him for their batting capabilities when the World Test Championship final comes in June.

However, McDonald believes the 21-year-old Connolly, who made his first-class debut just last March, has plenty of time to develop in Test cricket.

"He's just starting out. It’s too early to judge based on this game," McDonald said. "With five overs and the shot he played, maybe he would’ve made a different choice if given another chance."

"We see him as a long-term player, and when the time comes, he can push for a top-six batting spot," McDonald added.

Smith also expressed confidence in Connolly's future.

"He's got a bright future, no doubt about that," Smith said.

Sri Lanka Test Series Results:

• First Test: Australia won by an innings and 242 runs
• Second Test: Australia won by nine wickets

Sri Lanka Test Squad:
Dhananjaya de Silva (c), Dimuth Karunaratne, Pathum Nissanka (subject to fitness), Oshada Fernando, Lahiru Udara, Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews, Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Sonal Dinusha, Prabath Jayasuriya, Jeffrey Vandersay, Nishan Peiris, Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Milan Rathnayake

Australia Test Squad:
Steve Smith (c), Sean Abbott, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cooper Connolly, Travis Head (vc), Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Matt Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Nathan McSweeney, Todd Murphy, Mitchell Starc, Beau Webster

First ODI: February 12, Colombo (3:30 PM AEDT)
Second ODI: February 14, Colombo (3:30 PM AEDT)

Sri Lanka ODI Squad: TBC
Australia ODI Squad: 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, Matthew Short, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa

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