"It's Too Early To Judge": Australia Coach Backs Test Debutant Cooper Connolly

Australia coach Andrew McDonald remains optimistic about Cooper Connolly's Test future despite a subdued debut, insisting the young batting all-rounder has plenty of time to cement his place in the team's top six

Cooper Connolly made his Test debut in the second Test against Sri Lanka

Australia coach Andrew McDonald remains optimistic about Cooper Connolly's Test future despite a subdued debut, insisting the young batting all-rounder has plenty of time to cement his place in the team's top six. Connolly was handed a whirlwind debut in just his fifth first-class game, with selectors expecting challenging batting conditions in the second Test against Sri Lanka at Galle. However, the pitch proved more manageable than anticipated, aside from a fiery spell on day three when Sri Lanka unleashed a devastating new-ball attack that triggered a collapse of 7-64.

Australia coach Andrew McDonald remains optimistic about Cooper Connolly's Test future despite a subdued debut, insisting the young batting all-rounder has plenty of time to cement his place in the team's top six. Connolly was handed a whirlwind debut in just his fifth first-class game, with selectors expecting challenging batting conditions in the second Test against Sri Lanka at Galle. However, the pitch proved more manageable than anticipated, aside from a fiery spell on day three when Sri Lanka unleashed a devastating new-ball attack that triggered a collapse of 7-64.