[In Pictures] Cooper Connolly forced to retire hurt after being struck on left hand in AUS vs PAK 2024 3rd ODI
Australia all-rounder Cooper Connolly had to walk off the field retired hurt in his maiden national appearance on home soil after copping a searing blow to his left hand while batting. The left-handed batter was struck on his hand while trying to fend off a Mohammad Hasnain delivery during the third ODI against Pakistan in Perth on Sunday, November 10.
Connolly came out to bat when Australia were reeling at 56-3 in the 11th over. After having made his ODI debut during the tour of England, the all-rounder was tasked with rescuing the side in a familiar avenue. Representing the Perth Scorchers in the Big Bash League (BBL), he has a decent grip over the conditions. However, he could not put his experience to use.
During the 17th over of the innings, Connolly attempted a pull shot off a short delivery by right-arm pacer Hasnain. He was late to play the stroke as the ball rushed to him, striking his hand in the process. While he played the next delivery, he experienced discomfort, forcing the medical team to come out to the middle.
Cameras showcased considerable swelling on his left arm, and he was forced off the field. Cricket Australia have issued an official update since the incident, with Connolly unlikely to take the field.
"Cooper Connolly has been taken for scans on his left hand after being struck while batting in today's ODI. It is possible Connolly will not return to the crease or field in the second innings," the statement read (via The Age).
The left-handed batter remains unbeaten on seven runs off 16 deliveries. The score read 79-4 at the time of the incident.
Australia's woes have compounded since Connolly's departure
The hosts effectively only have nine wickets to play, with Connolly highly unlikely to resume his innings. Pakistan's pace attack have had the upper hand over Australia's batting unit in the first two matches, and the same trend has followed in the decisive finale.
The top-order was not among the runs yet again, while Pakistan kept chipping away with wickets in the middle overs to leave Australia without any momentum.
As of writing, the second-string Australia outfit led by Josh Inglis are reeling at 118-7 after 27 overs, with all four seamers opening their wickets tally.