Cooper Connolly of Australia A bats during the second day match between Australia A and India A at the Great Barrier Reef Arena on November 1, 2024 in Mackay, Australia. (Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images)
This hunger became a defining feature of Connolly’s rise. There is no sense of arrival, only momentum.“So yeah, I’m just looking forward to getting stuck in and playing some cricket. But yeah, it’s been a whirlwind 18 months and yeah, I feel very privileged to be in the position I’m in at the moment,” says the Australian all-rounder.
The phone call that changed everything
Before international caps and global stages, there was a much more ordinary environment. School class. English lessons. His phone vibrates in his pocket.“It was exciting. I got the phone call while I was still at school,” he says.
Cooper Connolly of Australia poses with a green bag after being named the debutant during the first day of the second Test match of the series between Sri Lanka and Australia at the Galle International Stadium on February 6, 2025 in Galle, Sri Lanka. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)
Connolly still remembers the exact moment. “So as exciting as it was at school, I was actually in English class and I told my teacher I had to go outside to take an important phone call. I went outside and took the phone call and yeah, it was pretty surreal.”Western Australia offered him a rookie contract, a moment that instantly shifted his understanding of what cricket could become.“I think the phone call telling me I was going to sign with Western Australia as a rookie was always exciting. And I’ll always remember that day. It was a great day. It made school a lot more enjoyable,” he says.Besides the excitement, it was also a deeper realization.
Cooper Connolly of Australia looks on during the first day of the second Test match of the series between Sri Lanka and Australia at the Galle International Stadium on February 6, 2025 in Galle, Sri Lanka. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)
“I think the moment I got the contract it was like, okay, this is potentially and hopefully where my future lies. I think at that age I was like, this is exciting. I’ve never experienced a professional setting like this before,” says Connolly.Connolly’s instinct was to absorb everything around him.“I just wanted to learn and think I would improve every day as much as I could,” he recalls.Perth-born Connolly shaped his bat around West Australian second-order batsman Shaun Marsh. Incidentally, Marsh also started his IPL journey with the same franchise in 2008 and ended with the Orange Cap.“I’ve just left a couple of guys like Shaun Marsh with just some experience with the group and trying to get out as much as I can in the first couple of years.
Family as a constant
Few expected Connolly’s rise to this level to come so quickly, but excitement around the big all-rounder with his signature surfer-blonde locks had been building for some time.
Cooper Connolly of Australia poses with the baggy green and his parents Shane Connolly and Donna Connolly after being named the debutant during the first day of the second Test match of the series between Sri Lanka and Australia at the Galle International Stadium on February 6, 2025 in Galle, Sri Lanka. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)
Even before Connolly became the first 16-year-old since Shaun Marsh to register an Under-19 World Cup half-century, he caught the eye in junior cricket at Scarborough, where his father Shane once played and later served as his coach. Through each transition, Connolly’s family remained his foundation.“Family is always important to everyone. I think my mom and dad have always been really supportive. And they’ve also been my toughest critics, especially my dad,” he says.At home, conversations about cricket are grounding and constructive.
Cooper Connolly of Australia is presented with his cap by Simon Katich after being named the debutant during the first day of the second Test match of the series between Sri Lanka and Australia at the Galle International Stadium on February 6, 2025 in Galle, Sri Lanka. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)
“My dad, when I come home, he’s always trying to help me improve and he’s always congratulating me on my success. My dad was a big role model for me. He obviously played cricket when he was younger and kind of gave up playing veterans,” adds Connolly.What Connolly admires most is the person his father became during the game.“He never got to an elite level as a cricketer but I think I’ve seen him develop as a person and I look at the people around me and how much they’ve enjoyed his company,” says the Perth Scorchers cricketer.Those lessons last.“They obviously understand there’s a lot more to life than just cricket,” he says.
Cooper Connolly of Australia is congratulated by his father Shane Connolly after being named the debutant during the first day of the second Test match of the series between Sri Lanka and Australia at the Galle International Stadium on February 6, 2025 in Galle, Sri Lanka. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)
Even today, feedback is thoughtfully offered.“It does, but it doesn’t touch it too much. It just goes, what were you thinking? It kind of just takes me back to when I was younger. And probably the feeling of playing when I was younger, enjoying the game.”
Shaun Marsh and the Formation of Batting Identity
Although Connolly avoids naming Shaun Marsh as a formal mentor, the influence is unmistakable. Cooper Connolly has nailed Shaun Marsh’s stance, his cover drive and now his playing number. However, the edgy young all-rounder made a name for himself en route to his international debut.“I wouldn’t say he’s a bit of a mentor. I feel like I could approach him if I wanted to and have a chat about cricket and how he went about it. I feel like I’m pretty, I’d like to model my game on him a bit.”
Cooper Connolly of Australia bats during the second game of the One Day International series between Australia and India at the Adelaide Oval on October 23, 2025 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Mark Brake/Getty Images)
Even now, Connolly studies Marsh’s innings. He reveals: “I go to watch him bring back his hundreds and stuff. If I could have half the career he’s had, I’d be pretty happy.”
Resurfacing with the ball
Connolly’s development as an all-rounder includes a key shift in bowling.“When I was younger, I looked left-arm pace, I liked to swing the ball. I like to think I was fast, but I wasn’t,” he laughs.At 15 he made a decisive change. “I think the decision was made at about 15, to change to left-arm spin. Obviously it’s not as demanding on your body. Not as many injuries and not as many left-arm spinners,” he explains.
Versatility with the bat
Connolly’s adaptability has become one of his strongest assets. From the top order to the finisher, he accepts the challenge.“I’ve had the luxury of batting in most positions in the team. So I think just being versatile is the best thing at the moment,” he says.
Cooper Connolly of Australia bats during the third game of the One Day International series between Australia and India at the Sydney Cricket Ground on October 25, 2025 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo: Ayush Kumar/Getty Images)
“I like watching Travis Head do it. It’s better for teams to pick me that I can shoot from one to seven,” he adds.
The reality of the World Cup
Now the T20 World Cup is looming in India and Sri Lanka.“I’m very excited. It’s a great group to be a part of. The Australian set-up, whether it’s white-ball cricket or Test cricket, it’s a great group to be a part of. I’m really looking forward to it. It will be nice to get to Sri Lanka. I haven’t been there since I made my Test debut,” he says.
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However, the ultimate aspiration remains unchanged. “I think the highlight is Test cricket.For now, Connolly continues to ride the wave, grounded by perspective and fueled by curiosity.“Super excited to do what I’ve done so far. I’m just looking forward to hopefully playing more games for Australia.”