Perth Scorchers coach Adam Voges has expressed confidence in Cooper Connolly, urging the young batsman to overcome a challenging period in his career during the T20 World Cup. Connolly, 22, has faced a significant batting slump, managing only 31 runs across his last ten innings, which includes four ducks and a single score above ten. This decline followed the Scorchers’ successful run in the Big Bash League and Australia’s recent 3-0 series defeat to Pakistan.
Voges emphasized that Connolly’s struggles should be viewed in the context of his rapid ascent in the sport. The coach noted that the young player has displayed remarkable talent, earning his place in the squad through impressive performances. “Coops is still a really young player. He has had a pretty meteoric rise and played some wonderful cricket along the way to earn the opportunity he has got at the moment,” Voges stated.
In the recent series against Pakistan, Connolly was shifted from the No. 3 batting position during the finals of the Big Bash League to batting at No. 8 for Australia. This adjustment reflects the challenges he has faced while adapting to different playing conditions. “We probably saw a dip in form through the Big Bash campaign, and there is probably a little bit of a confidence piece for him there,” Voges added.
Voges acknowledged that the demanding conditions in Pakistan have posed difficulties not just for Connolly but for several players in the squad. “He’s learning his way; most cricketers go through it at some stage. He’s 22 years of age; he’ll be better for those experiences,” he explained.
In terms of overall performance, Cam Green stood out as the only Australian in the top six run-scorers against Pakistan, accumulating 93 runs with a highest score of 36. Notably, tail-ender Xavier Bartlett ranked as Australia’s second-highest run-scorer, indicating the team’s batting struggles. Players like Matt Short, who has now been dropped from the World Cup squad, and Travis Head, also faced challenges in contributing effectively.
As Australia prepares for the T20 World Cup, the team’s performance in the recent series has raised concerns, particularly as they were initially considered strong contenders for the tournament. With Connolly’s potential and Voges’ backing, the Perth Scorchers and Australian fans will be hoping for a turnaround in form as the competition progresses.
