Cooper Connolly Biography: Birthday, Career, Stats and Records

Cooper Connolly is a young Australian left‑handed batting all‑rounder who represents his country in Tests, ODIs and T20Is.

Born on 22 August 2003, Cooper Patrick Leonard Connolly is an Australian cricketer who bats left‑handed and bowls slow left‑arm orthodox. He broke into senior cricket through Western Australia, earning selection across all three international formats within a year of his domestic debut. His rapid rise has seen him feature for the national side in Tests, One‑Day Internationals and Twenty‑20 Internationals, while also becoming a regular in the Indian Premier League.

Connolly’s early promise translated into substantial statistics: 502 ODI runs at an average of 38.62, including a 149‑run knock, and 9 wickets with a best of 5/22. In the IPL he has amassed 491 runs at an average of 44.64, highlighted by an unbeaten 107, and he continues to develop as a genuine all‑rounder for Australia.

Cooper Connolly: quick facts

Born: 22 August 2003
Team: Australia

Cooper Connolly career statistics

Batting

Format	Matches	Innings	Runs	Highest	Average	Strike rate	100s	50s
Tests	2	3	33	29	11.00	36.26	0	0
ODIs	18	15	502	149	38.62	89.48	1	3
T20Is	14	10	91	47	10.11	122.97	0	0
IPL	14	13	491	107*	44.64	163.12	1	2

Bowling

Format	Matches	Wickets	Best	Average	Economy
Tests	2	1	1/41	76.00	4.22
ODIs	18	9	5/22	27.67	5.28
T20Is	14	3	1/24	77.00	9.24

Figures as of 12 November 2026. Figures from Cricsheet (cricsheet.org), Open Data Commons Attribution licence.

Cooper Connolly’s early life

Cooper Connolly was born on 22 August 2003 and grew up in Australia, showing an aptitude for cricket from a young age. He progressed through the Western Australia age‑group system, captaining the state’s under‑17 side and establishing himself as a capable left‑handed batsman and a slow left‑arm orthodox bowler. His leadership qualities were evident early, and he quickly became a mainstay in junior representative squads, laying the foundation for his future international career.

In January 2022, Connolly was appointed captain of the Australia national under‑19 cricket team for the 2022 ICC Under‑19 Cricket World Cup. The appointment reflected his tactical acumen and consistency with both bat and ball. Under his stewardship, the young side competed on the world stage, providing Connolly with valuable experience that would later ease his transition to senior international cricket.

Cooper Connolly’s domestic career

Connolly made his List A debut for Western Australia on 24 September 2023 against Queensland in the Marsh One‑Day Cup, followed by his first‑class debut on 21 March 2024 in the Sheffield Shield final versus Tasmania, where he scored a solid 90 in the first innings. These performances cemented his place in the state side and showcased his ability to contribute significant runs in high‑pressure situations, earning him recognition from national selectors.

In August 2022 he signed with the Perth Scorchers for the Big Bash League and debuted in the T20 format on 7 January 2023 against the Brisbane Heat. He featured in the final of that season, delivering a rapid 25 runs from just 11 balls to help the Scorchers clinch the title. His aggressive approach in the domestic T20 arena highlighted his potential as a match‑winning batsman and reinforced his reputation as a versatile all‑rounder.

Cooper Connolly’s international career

Connolly earned his Test cap against Sri Lanka at Galle International Stadium on 6 February 2025, becoming the 471st recipient of the Baggy Green. To date he has played two Tests, scoring 33 runs at an average of 11 with a highest score of 29, and claiming one wicket with best figures of 1/41. He made his ODI debut versus England at County Ground, Bristol on 29 September 2024 and has featured in 18 ODIs, amassing 502 runs at 38.62, including a top score of 149, one century and three fifties, while also taking nine wickets with a best of 5/22. His standout innings came on 14 June 2026 when he struck 149 against Bangladesh at the Sher‑e‑Bangla National Stadium, a performance that formed more than half of Australia’s successful chase of 275.

Connolly’s T20I debut arrived on 7 September 2024 against Scotland at Grange Cricket Club Ground, Edinburgh. In 14 T20Is he has scored 91 runs at an average of 10.11, with a highest of 47, and taken three wickets, the best figures being 1/24. While his limited‑overs batting figures are modest, his aggressive strike rate of 122.97 reflects his intent to accelerate the scoring rate. The bowler’s most notable achievement in ODIs – a five‑wicket haul of 5/22 against South Africa at Mackay on 24 August 2025 – underscores his growing value as a genuine all‑round option for Australia across formats.

Cooper Connolly’s franchise and league career

In the Indian Premier League Connolly represents Punjab Kings. He made his IPL debut on 31 March 2026 against Gujarat Titans at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, New Chandigarh. Over 14 matches he has scored 491 runs at an impressive average of 44.64 and a strike rate of 163.12, highlighted by an unbeaten 107 against Sunrisers Hyderabad at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Uppal on 6 May 2026. He also recorded a quick 87 against Lucknow Super Giants on 19 April 2026, demonstrating his ability to dominate in the power‑play phase of the game.

Connolly’s domestic T20 credentials were forged in the Big Bash League with the Perth Scorchers. After his debut in January 2023, he became a regular fixture in the side, contributing crucial runs in the final of the 2022–23 season with a rapid 25 off 11 balls. His performances in the BBL have complemented his international duties, providing a platform to refine his aggressive batting style and develop his left‑arm orthodox spin against high‑quality opposition.

Cooper Connolly’s playing style

A left‑handed top‑order batsman, Connolly combines a classical technique with an instinct for powerful stroke‑play, particularly through the off‑side. His strike rates of 89.48 in ODIs and 163.12 in the IPL illustrate his capacity to accelerate the innings when required. He has openly modelled his approach on former Australian batsman Shaun Marsh, seeking to blend consistency with the ability to dominate bowlers in limited‑overs cricket. His batting has yielded a maiden ODI century – 149 against Bangladesh – and an unbeaten IPL ton, underscoring his potential as a match‑winner.

With the ball, Connolly delivers slow left‑arm orthodox spin, using flight and subtle variations to induce errors. Though his international wicket tally remains modest, his best figures of 5/22 against South Africa in August 2025 highlight his capability to produce breakthrough spells. He typically bowls in the middle overs of limited‑overs games, aiming to contain runs while seeking wickets, and his dual skill set makes him a valuable all‑round option for both domestic franchises and the Australian side.

Cooper Connolly’s records and achievements

Connolly became the youngest Australian to claim a five‑wicket haul in an ODI during the 2025 series against South Africa, finishing with figures of 5/22 at the Great Barrier Reef Arena, Mackay. This performance, coupled with his maiden ODI century of 149 against Bangladesh in June 2026, marks him as one of the most promising young all‑rounders in Australian cricket. His IPL unbeaten 107 against Sunrisers Hyderabad further demonstrates his ability to convert starts into substantial scores on the world’s biggest T20 stage.

Across formats Connolly has accumulated notable milestones: one ODI century, three ODI fifties, a five‑wicket haul, and an IPL century. His early career also includes a first‑class debut score of 90 in the Sheffield Shield final and a decisive 25‑run cameo in the 2022–23 BBL final. These achievements, achieved before his third birthday, suggest a trajectory that could see him become a mainstay of Australian cricket for years to come.

Cooper Connolly: frequently asked questions

When was Cooper Connolly born?

Cooper Connolly was born on 22 August 2003.

Which teams has Cooper Connolly played for?

Cooper Connolly plays international cricket for Australia.

Which IPL team does Cooper Connolly play for?

Cooper Connolly’s IPL teams include Punjab Kings.

When did Cooper Connolly make an international debut?

Cooper Connolly made a Test debut against Sri Lanka at Galle International Stadium on 6 February 2025. Cooper Connolly made an ODI debut against England at County Ground, Bristol on 29 September 2024. Cooper Connolly made a T20I debut against Scotland at Grange Cricket Club Ground, Raeburn Place, Edinburgh on 7 September 2024.