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'Eye on the future': Connolly in Test frame but selection threatened by potential returning veteran
Sam Kosack • January 8th, 2025 5:33 pm
Cooper Connolly is in the frame to be selected for Australia’s upcoming tour of Sri Lanka, however his path to a Test debut may be blocked by the potential return of Glenn Maxwell.
Connolly has been playing Sheffield Shield for Western Australia, making 90 in his debut during the 2023/24 Sheffield Shield final. He also made his Australia ODI and T20 debuts in 2024.
The 21-year-old’s ability to bowl spin makes the highly touted player an enticing inclusion given Australia’s need to blood young talent and having already secured their place in the World Test Championship final.
News Corp chief cricket writer Daniel Cherny believes Connolly is a genuine chance of being in the squad, which will likely be announced on Thursday.
“I think Cooper Connolly is certainly in the mix,” Cherny revealed on SEN 1170 Mornings.
“Nothing confirmed but I wouldn't be shocked to see him in the 16-man touring party. He’s already been a player of national interest.
“I just wonder if they’re keeping one eye on the next tour of India… it is still worthwhile keeping an eye on the future given they've qualified for the World Test Championship final.”
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Cherny believes however, that selectors are tossing up selecting Connolly or offering Glenn Maxwell another chance at Test level.
Maxwell last played Test cricket in 2017 against Bangladesh but has been vocal about wanting to return to the arena.
“I suspect it may come down to Glenn Maxwell or Cooper Connolly as similar kinds of players as all-rounders who bowl spin,” Cherney said.
“You’ve got one guy who’s 36 and another who’s in his early 20s and that’s going to be the calculus for the selectors.”
On SEN's The Run Home, Maxwell opened up on his selection chances for the Sri Lanka tour.
“I’d love to say with 100% confidence that I’ll definitely be on the plane but I’m not sure,” Maxwell said.
“I’ll keep doing everything I can to be ready… but I have no idea which way they’re going.”
Maxwell last played first class cricket in July 2023, limited by his selection in Australia’s ODI and T20 squads and injuries.
