top of page

CRICKET: Punjab power hitter Connolly targeting Australia T20 World Cup spot

Cooper Connolly is targeting a return to Australia’s T20 squad for next year’s World Cup after explosive Big Bash League performances and a lucrative IPL deal with Punjab Kings. The 22-year-old all-rounder says consistent form and versatility will be key to earning selection and making his mark on the global stage.

All-rounder Cooper Connolly hopes his blistering Big Bash League form can earn him a recall to Australia’s Twenty20 squad for next year’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.


The 22-year-old, who was snapped up by the Punjab Kings at last week’s Indian Premier League (IPL) auction for 30 million Indian rupees ($334,224), made an impressive start for the Perth Scorchers in this season’s Big Bash T20 competition, scoring 59 and 77 in his first two outings.


Connolly, who also contributes as a left-arm spinner, made his T20 debut for Australia last year but was dropped after the team’s tour of the West Indies in July.


“I would obviously love to play in a T20 World Cup for Australia,” Connolly told reporters during a virtual news conference on Monday organized by the Kings.


“My focus is on getting selected in that team. There are a lot of good players to choose from, but if I get that opportunity, it would be another chance to represent my country.”


The T20 World Cup is set to begin on February 7, with teams required to submit their provisional squads to the International Cricket Council (ICC) by January 7.


“There is still some time left and more Big Bash games to be played,” Connolly said. “I’m just looking forward to the next couple of matches for the Scorchers. If I get selected, I’ll enjoy the experience.”


Connolly will be surrounded by familiar faces when the IPL begins on March 26. Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting serves as head coach of Punjab Kings, while fellow Australians Marcus Stoinis, Xavier Bartlett, Mitchell Owen and Ben Dwarshuis are also part of the squad.


Kings captain Shreyas Iyer said last week that Connolly was a perfect fit for the finisher’s role.


“I’m really looking forward to working with Ricky. I’ve heard a lot of great things about him,” Connolly said.


“I try to model my game on versatility and being able to bat in any position. Whether it’s at number three, in the middle order, or as a finisher, I’m happy to play whatever role the team needs.


“If I get the opportunity, I hope to make history and help Punjab win the trophy,” he added.


($1 = 89.7600 Indian rupees)


-Additional reporting by Karan Prashant Saxena in Bengaluru; Editing by Peter Rutherford/Reuters

bottom of page