Cooper Connolly

2025 - 2 - 6

From Local Legend to Galle Glory: Cooper Connolly's Epic Test Debut!

Australia vs Sri Lanka - Baggy Green - Cooper Connolly - cricket debut - Steve Smith - Test cricket

Meet the young Aussie star, Cooper Connolly, making waves in the cricket world as he debuts in Galle!

In an exciting turn of events, 21-year-old West Australian cricketer Cooper Connolly is set to take the international stage for the very first time as he debuts in the Test series against Sri Lanka in Galle on Thursday. After a meteoric rise through the ranks, Connolly’s selection has left cricket fans buzzing with anticipation. Known for his fearless batting style and keen cricketing acumen, he has quickly become a household name in the Australian cricketing community. With only four first-class matches under his belt, many are curious to see how he'll fare against seasoned international bowlers.

Stand-in captain Steve Smith recently indicated that while the batting lineup for the second Test may remain unchanged, the bowling department could witness some last-minute tweaks. This builds the suspense around whether Connolly will slot into the bowling lineup, considering his skills demonstrated in domestic competitions. It’s shaping up to be a nail-biting spectacle as Australia aims to clinch a decisive victory over Sri Lanka, having dominated the opening Test.

Fans are particularly intrigued by Connolly's journey which has been swift and impressive. Originally from Western Australia, he has made headlines with his aggressive play and tactical mind during domestic matches. His father shared a heartwarming story in the lead-up to the big day, emphasizing the support and encouragement that has been a foundation for Connolly’s growth. With his baggy green cap being No.471, he joins the ranks of impressive cricketers who have donned Australia's prestigious national colors.

As Connolly steps out onto the field, the hope and excitement of many rests upon his shoulders. His debut comes at a time when Australia is looking to establish dominance in the series, and the young star’s performance could be crucial. No pressure, right? Meanwhile, did you know that the last Test debutant for Australia was also a young prodigy who went on to achieve huge success? Additionally, making a Test debut in Sri Lanka has its own unique challenges due to the conditions, so it’ll be fascinating to see how Connolly adapts amidst thrilling cricketing circumstances! Cheers to new beginnings!

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Image courtesy of "The West Australian"

Australia in Sri Lanka: West Australian Cooper Connolly to debut in ... (The West Australian)

West Australian 21-year-old Cooper Connolly will make his Test debut against Sri Lanka in Galle on Thursday.

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Image courtesy of "Yahoo Sport Australia"

Brutal Todd Murphy twist emerges as Cooper Connolly in huge ... (Yahoo Sport Australia)

Stand-in skipper Smith suggested the Aussies would name an unchanged batting lineup from the first Test in Galle but admitted they would make a "last minute" ...

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Image courtesy of "Sporting News AU"

Who is Cooper Connolly? Australia set to debut talent in Test vs. Sri ... (Sporting News AU)

Australia is considering picking batting talent Cooper Connolly for his debut in the second Test against Sri Lanka.

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Image courtesy of "Nine"

Australia vs Sri Lanka 2025 | Cooper Connolly firming for Test debut ... (Nine)

Young gun Cooper Connolly appears to be on the verge of earning his baggy green as Australia mull over a change ahead of the second Test against Sri Lanka.

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Image courtesy of "Fox Sports"

'A lock': Huge Aussie debut call as man set to make way firms ... (Fox Sports)

'A lock': Huge Aussie debut call as man set to make way firms — Second Test LIVE.

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Image courtesy of "7NEWS.com.au"

Cooper Connolly in line for debut as Australia set for last-minute ... (7NEWS.com.au)

Australia will name an unchanged top-six batters for the second Test against Sri Lanka, but will make a “last minute” call to finalise a bowling attack that ...

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Image courtesy of "The Sydney Morning Herald"

Test cricket LIVE: Connolly set for shock debut as Sri Lanka win the ... (The Sydney Morning Herald)

Australia thumped Sri Lanka in the opening Test in Galle but are eager to make it a series whitewash. Follow the action live.

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Image courtesy of "cricket.com.au"

Connolly debuts as Aussies look for Galle sweep (cricket.com.au)

Western Australia's Cooper Connolly receives Baggy Green No.471 to make four debutants in as many?

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Image courtesy of "Yahoo Sport Australia"

Cooper Connolly's father in heartwarming pre-match reveal as wild ... (Yahoo Sport Australia)

Cooper Connolly has only played four first-class matches before his debut for Australia. Find out more here.

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Image courtesy of "ESPNcricinfo.com"

Cooper Connolly exceeds high expectations in rapid rise to Test ... (ESPNcricinfo.com)

Connolly had played just four first class games and was wicketless from his 96 deliveries before his Test debut in Galle.

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Image courtesy of "Triple M"

Cooper Connolly's Father Reflects On His Son's Test Debut (Triple M)

Shane Connolly, father for Test debutant Cooper, joined Triple M's Rush Hour this afternoon live from Sri Lanka. “It's unreal. Me as an old crusty cricketer ...

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Image courtesy of "Hindustan Times"

Who is Cooper Connolly? Australia's latest Test debutant played just ... (Hindustan Times)

Cooper Connolly made his Test debut on Thursday during the second match of the series against Sri Lanka. | Crickit.

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Image courtesy of "The West Australian"

'He won't die wondering': Cooper Connolly's parents Shane and ... (The West Australian)

Shane and Donna Connolly were beaming with pride after seeing their son earn his Baggy Green to cap a lifelong dream. Here's what they had to say after ...

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Image courtesy of "NEWS.com.au"

Aussie debutant's mum steals the show (NEWS.com.au)

Australian debutant Cooper Connolly was handed his baggy green ahead of the day's play, but it was his mum who pinched the spotlight. 2 min read.

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Image courtesy of "The Weekly Times"

Aussie debutant's mum steals the show (The Weekly Times)

Australian debutant Cooper Connolly was handed his baggy green ahead of the day's play, but it was his mum who pinched the spotlight. 2 min read.

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Image courtesy of "The Sydney Morning Herald"

Australian specialists made to sweat after Connolly's debut (The Sydney Morning Herald)

Australia's three specialist bowlers had to sweat while holding Sri Lanka to 9-229, as debutant Cooper Connolly bowled just three overs on day one of his ...

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Image courtesy of "ABC News"

Sri Lanka vs Australia live: Cooper Connolly named to debut in ... (ABC News)

Nathan Lyon took just four deliveries to make his impact with the ball after Australia lost the toss to Sri Lanka in the second Test. Follow live.

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