Cooper Connolly debuts for Australia in 2nd Test vs SL
What's the story
Promising spin-bowling all-rounder, Cooper Connolly, has made his Test debut for Australia against Sri Lanka in Galle, the second match of a two-Test series.
Despite not claiming a wicket in his four first-class matches, the Western Australian received the prestigious Baggy Green Cap 471 from former Test all-rounder and fellow Western Australian Simon Katich.
Here's more.
Team changes
Connolly replaces Murphy in Australia's playing XI
Australian captain Steve Smith won the toss and chose to bowl first in the second Test, confirming Cooper Connolly's inclusion in place of off-spinner Todd Murphy.
This selection marks Connolly as Australia's fourth debutant in as many Tests.
The decision aimed to strengthen the batting lineup on a pitch anticipated to offer spin and potentially limit scoring opportunities.
Rising star
Connolly's impressive BBL performance and Smith's confidence
Earlier this week, Connolly earned the BBL 2025 Player of the Tournament award for his impressive batting performances with the Perth Scorchers.
In the 2024-25 BBL season racked up 351 runs in 10 innings at an average of 50.14.
Although wicketless from 96 deliveries in four First-Class matches, he provides another left-arm orthodox spin option alongside Matthew Kuhnemann on a pitch likely to offer significant turn.
Additionally, skipper Smith expressed confidence in Connolly's abilities.
Milestones
Karunaratne's retirement and Smith's faith in Connolly
The match featured a special pre-game ceremony honoring former Sri Lanka captain Dimuth Karunaratne, marking his 100th and final Test following his retirement announcement from all forms of cricket.
Meanwhile, when asked about Connolly's debut in the challenging conditions, Smith expressed no concerns about the left-armer's limited red-ball bowling experience.
Smith expressed faith in Connolly's ability, by stating "From what I've seen in the nets he bowls some really good balls."
Stats
The debutant's FC stats in brief
With the bat, Connolly has racked up 309 runs in the four FC matches (six innings) he has played.
He owns an average of 61.80, alongside three fifties. He boasts a high score of 90.
Meanwhile, with the bowl, he has conceded 67 runs in 96 balls without claiming a wicket.
Playing XI
These are the playing XI for both teams
Australia Playing XI: Usman Khawaja, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Josh Inglis, Alex Carey (wk), Beau Webster, Cooper Connolly, Mitch Starc, Nathan Lyon, Matt Kuhnemann
Sri Lanka Playing XI: Dimuth Karunaratne, Pathum Nissanka, Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews, Kamindu Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva (c), Kusal Mendis (wk), Ramesh Mendis, Prabath Jayasuriya, Nishan Peiris, Lahiru Kumara