22-Year-Old Cooper Connolly Shines in Adelaide ODI Thriller

On October 25, 2025, 22-year-old Australian all-rounder Cooper Connolly played a match-winning knock of 61 not out off 53 balls to help his team secure a 2-wicket victory over India in the second ODI at the Adelaide Oval. This win sealed the series 2-0 for Australia with one match remaining.

Connolly, who was making just his seventh ODI appearance, scored his first-ever international half-century, showcasing his maturity and composure under pressure. The young all-rounder, who had earlier played a crucial 25-run knock off just 11 balls to guide the Perth Scorchers to the 2023 BBL title, revealed that he was feeling starstruck by the presence of Indian stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma on the field. To calm his nerves, Connolly resorted to singing songs to himself between deliveries.

Connolly's impressive performance was not a one-off, as he had earlier impressed during Australia A's tour of India earlier this year, scoring three half-centuries across first-class and 50-over matches. The all-rounder, who bowls left-arm spin, has seized the opportunity to cement his place in the Australian ODI team with the retirement of experienced all-rounders like Glenn Maxwell and Steve Smith from the format.

Indian vice-captain Shreyas Iyer praised Connolly's maturity and character, acknowledging the youngster's ability to target the right bowlers and finish the game for his team. With the depth in Australian cricket on display, Connolly and other young talents like Matthew Short, Mitchell Owen, and Xavier Bartlett are making their mark, providing a glimpse of the promising future for the national team.