Dubai, March 3 (NationPress) Spin-bowling all-rounder Cooper Connolly has been confirmed as a substitute for the injured opener Mattew Short in Australia’s lineup for the ongoing 2025 Champions Trophy.

Connolly, who made his ODI debut in England last year and has since played three ODIs, was called up after Short was sidelined due to an injury to his left quadriceps sustained during Australia’s rain-affected Group B match against Afghanistan.

At just 21 years old, Connolly was initially designated as a travelling reserve for the tournament, and his inclusion in the main squad received approval from the ICC Event Technical Committee, which includes Wasim Khan (ICC General Manager – Cricket), Sarah Edgar (ICC Senior Manager – Events), Usman Wahla (PCB Director – International Cricket Operations), and Shaun Pollock (Independent Representative).

There is a possibility that the Australian team might opt for Connolly, who bowls left-arm spin, for the crucial semi-final match against India at the Dubai International Stadium on Tuesday, known for its slow pitch.

Australia’s spin options feature leg-spinner Adam Zampa and part-time off-spinner Glenn Maxwell, along with Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne, both capable of contributing with handy spin bowling.

The reigning 2023 ODI World Cup champions also have another leg-spinner, Tanveer Sangha, who could replace one of the pace bowlers, emulating India’s strategy of utilizing four spinners in their recent 44-run victory over New Zealand.

With Short out of the picture, Australia might also contemplate including Jake Fraser-McGurk in the playing eleven to partner with Head at the top of the batting order. However, Fraser-McGurk has struggled in ODIs, surpassing 16 runs only once.

Australia squad: Steve Smith (captain), Sean Abbott, Alex Carey, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Spencer Johnson, Aaron Hardie, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Tanveer Sangha, Adam Zampa, and Cooper Connolly.