Australian great Ian Healy has taken aim at young all-rounder Cooper Connolly, revealing he was “so angry” watching his performance in the semi-final against India.
Connolly was backed to open the batting in Australia’s sudden-death Champions Trophy clash on Tuesday, replacing the injured Matt Short at the top of the order.
However, his innings ended without troubling the scorers, dismissed for a nine-ball duck.
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Connolly played and missed on six occasions in a dismal start to the side’s innings.
Australia ended up posting 264, but the total was chased down by India with two overs to spare and four wickets in hand, ending their tournament.
Cooper Connolly trudges off after losing his wicket. ICC via Getty Images
Healy explained his frustrations with Connolly, who has been given opportunities at a young age based on potential.
“I got so angry,” Healy said on SENQ Breakfast.
“Travis Head was gesturing about how slow the wicket was to his partner and Cooper Connolly just kept swinging. In those conditions, you have to work the ball around.
“He faced nine balls for a duck and he played … He was swiping away, square on the off-side and just not watching the ball at all … I was just getting so angry. It was such poor thinking and when you’re batting in tough conditions, you have got to work hard.
“Connolly’s footwork was absent, his shot selection was poor and his technique of the shot was poor because he wasn’t watching the ball.”
Connolly was thrust into the crucial role just 24 hours after being elevated from travelling reserve to the main squad.
Selectors opted for Connolly as Head’s opening partner instead of Jake Fraser-McGurk or Aaron Hardie, who were both left out of the XI.
The 21-year-old recently made his Test debut in the series against Sri Lanka but failed to make a mark in spin-friendly conditions with either bat or ball.
Cooper Connolly after receiving his baggy green in Sri Lanka. Getty
However, according to head coach Andrew McDonald, those within the game need to give the West Australian youngster time to develop his game.
“He’s just starting it out. I think it’s too early to judge anything on that game,” he said.
“He’s one we definitely want for the future. When he gets to the stage where he can press for a top-six batting spot, who knows? But that’s what we see for him.”
India’s win on Tuesday will see them face either South Africa or New Zealand in the final.
