Cooper Connolly is one of Australia’s most exciting young cricketers, a left-handed batting powerhouse and a skilled slow left-arm orthodox bowler. Born on August 22, 2003, in Perth, Western Australia, Connolly’s journey from school cricket to the international stage is a story of perseverance, talent, and sheer determination.

His love for the game was evident from a young age. Connolly dominated school cricket, quickly making a name for himself in Western Australia’s junior circuits. His ability to lead from the front and deliver match-winning performances saw him rise through the ranks swiftly. He represented Western Australia at the Under-17 and Under-19 levels, consistently proving himself as a player with a bright future.

In January 2022, he captained Australia’s Under-19 team in the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup, where he showcased his leadership skills and all-round ability on the global stage.

His performances didn’t go unnoticed, and in August 2022, he signed with the Perth Scorchers for the 2022–23 Big Bash League (BBL) season.

Connolly made his T20 debut on January 7, 2023, against the Brisbane Heat, but it was in the BBL final where he indeed announced himself. With his team under pressure, he played a fearless knock of 25 runs off just 11 balls, guiding the Scorchers to a thrilling victory and cementing his reputation as a big-match player.

His rise continued as he made his List A debut on September 24, 2023, for Western Australia in the Marsh One-Day Cup, followed by a stellar Sheffield Shield final in March 2024, where he smashed 90 runs in the first innings, proving his credentials in red-ball cricket.

Connolly’s performances earned him a spot in Australia’s T20I squad for the England and Scotland tour in July 2024. He made his T20I debut against Scotland on September 7, 2024, followed by an ODI debut against England on September 29, 2024.

His meteoric rise continued when he was selected for Australia’s Test squad for the Sri Lanka tour in January 2025. On February 6, 2025, in Galle, he received his Baggy Green from former Test all-rounder Simon Katich, becoming Australia’s 471st Test cricketer.

In February 2025, Connolly was also part of the Australian squad for the Champions Trophy 2025, being played in Pakistan & UAE. 

From school playgrounds to the biggest stages in world cricket, Cooper Connolly’s journey is just beginning. With his fearless approach, natural leadership, and all-round ability, he is undoubtedly one of the brightest stars in Australia’s cricketing future.

(As of March 2025)