It was indeed a tough day for Australia, who not only faced a surprising shellacking by Pakistan but have now also lost their youngster from the upcoming T20I series. A cruel twist of fate has sidelined young Australian all-rounder Cooper Connolly from the upcoming T20I series against Pakistan. The promising cricketer suffered a fractured left hand after being struck by a Mohammad Hasnain delivery during the final ODI in Perth.

Pakistan damage Australia ft. Connolly

The incident occurred in the 17th over when Connolly attempted a pull shot. The ball, however, found its mark on his glove, causing immediate discomfort. He managed to face one more delivery before retiring hurt and subsequently underwent scans, which confirmed the fracture to his fourth metacarpal. The injury is a significant setback for Connolly, who was expected to play a crucial role in the T20I series. The 24-year-old has been impressive in recent times, showcasing his raw ability to finish innings with the bat and contribute with left-arm spin. His absence will be a blow to Australia’s long-term vision of building a strong T20 squad for the 2026 World Cup.

The Perth Scorchers will also be monitoring Connolly’s recovery closely, with the BBL season set to begin in December. The Western Australia side had planned to utilize Connolly’s skills in the Sheffield Shield before the BBL, but the injury has disrupted those plans.

Australia vs Pakistan T20I series schedule