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Top Headlines
- Cooper Connolly latest news: The Australian all-rounder scored 51 from 46 balls in the first ODI against Zimbabwe in Harare.
- Bowling return: Connolly also returned to international bowling after a five-month period away from bowling because of a back problem, taking 1-23 from four overs.
- Second ODI: Australia and Zimbabwe are playing the second ODI in Harare on September 18, with Australia entering the match after winning the series opener by 59 runs.
- World Cup preparations: Connolly is using the Zimbabwe and upcoming South Africa tours as opportunities to strengthen his case for Australia’s 2027 ODI World Cup squad.
- Test cricket: Connolly is also part of Australia’s 16-player Test squad for the upcoming South Africa series.
- Batting position: The left-hander has recently moved into the No. 3 role in Australia’s ODI batting order after previously opening in some matches.
- Recent breakthrough: Connolly made his maiden ODI century earlier in 2026, scoring 149 against Bangladesh in Mirpur.
Cooper Connolly News Today
Australian all-rounder Cooper Connolly is attracting significant attention on September 18, 2026, as Australia continues its three-match ODI series against Zimbabwe in Harare. Connolly played an important role in Australia’s opening-match victory and is now part of the side attempting to build a series lead in the second ODI.
The 23-year-old left-hander has become an increasingly important part of Australia’s plans across formats. His recent performances with both bat and ball have come at a time when the national selectors are assessing players ahead of the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup and Australia’s upcoming Test series in South Africa.
Cooper Connolly Scores 51 Against Zimbabwe
Connolly produced an aggressive innings in Australia’s first ODI against Zimbabwe on September 15. Batting at No. 3, he scored 51 runs from 46 deliveries, hitting four fours and three sixes. He was eventually dismissed by Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza.
His innings helped Australia recover after early wickets and contributed to a total of 294 for eight. Matthew Renshaw then scored an unbeaten-in-context century of 109, while Ollie Peake added 30. Australia eventually dismissed Zimbabwe for 235 to win by 59 runs.
The performance was another significant contribution from Connolly during a rapidly developing international season.
Connolly Returns to Bowling
One of the most notable developments is Connolly’s return to bowling. The all-rounder had been unable to bowl for approximately five months while recovering from a back problem.
Against Zimbabwe, he bowled four overs and finished with 1-23, taking the wicket of Ryan Burl. Connolly said returning to bowling was particularly satisfying because he had spent recent months concentrating almost entirely on batting.
He has also adjusted his bowling action, working on a slightly straighter body position to reduce strain on his back. Connolly said he intends to gradually increase his workload rather than immediately returning to a full bowling load.
Second ODI Against Zimbabwe
Australia is playing Zimbabwe in the second ODI on September 18 at Harare Sports Club. The three-match series is scheduled to conclude on September 20, also in Harare.
The series is part of Australia’s preparation for next year’s ODI World Cup. The squad includes several younger players alongside experienced internationals, giving selectors an opportunity to assess different combinations.
Connolly’s all-round skills give Australia another option in both the batting order and bowling attack.
Cooper Connolly and the 2027 World Cup
The 2027 World Cup is increasingly becoming a focus of Connolly’s international development. The tournament will be staged in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia, making the current Zimbabwe and upcoming South Africa tours particularly relevant for Australia’s players.
Connolly has said he would like to be part of Australia’s World Cup campaign but is concentrating on consistency and contributing to the team’s results during the current tours.
Australia’s selectors will have several options available before the final World Cup squad is selected, meaning performances across the next year will be part of the wider selection process.
South Africa Test Squad Inclusion
Connolly’s current role extends beyond Australia’s ODI plans. He has been included in the 16-player Test squad for the South Africa tour, which begins with the first Test in Durban on October 9.
The selection gives Connolly another opportunity to establish himself across formats. He already made his Test debut during Australia’s tour of Sri Lanka in 2025 and has also represented Australia in T20 and ODI cricket.
Career Background
Born in Perth, Western Australia, Connolly is a left-handed batter and left-arm orthodox spinner. He came through Western Australian cricket and became an important player for the Perth Scorchers in the Big Bash League.
He captained Australia at the 2022 Under-19 World Cup and later progressed into the senior international setup. Cricket Australia notes that he received the Bradman Young Cricketer of the Year award in early 2026
