Cooper Connolly edges behind after struggling against Mohammed Shami.
In the Champions Trophy semi-final clash between India and Australia in Dubai, Cooper Connolly, the Australian opener, experienced a challenging innings against Indian bowler Mohammed Shami. Connolly, filling in for the injured Matthew Short, faced nine deliveries and failed to connect with six of them consecutively. His discomfort at the crease culminated in him edging a delivery behind and being dismissed for a duck.
Here is a breakdown of the eventful third over:
2.1 Shami to Connolly: Wide delivery outside off stump, Connolly attempts a drive but misses.
2.2 Shami to Connolly: Another miss! Connolly aims to drive again, but the ball beats his inside edge, angling back in.
2.3 Shami to Connolly: Wide ball called. Short and wide, Connolly tries a square cut but fails to connect, resulting in a wide.
2.3 Shami to Connolly: Fourth consecutive miss! Connolly is visibly struggling. A well-delivered fuller ball outside off, Connolly prods at it with minimal footwork.
2.4 Shami to Connolly: Make it five misses! Connolly attempts a square drive on the up, but the ball whizzes past the edge.
2.5 Shami to Connolly: Beaten again, six misses in a row… Connolly tries to drive over the top, targeting the off-side square region.
2.6 Shami to Connolly: OUT! Edged this time? India seems confident. Wide outside off, Connolly attempts a square drive, possibly an under-edge? Yes, it clipped the toe end of the bat. The catch is reviewed for carry to KL Rahul, and it’s confirmed clean.
Australia opted to bat first after winning the toss in this semi-final. They included Connolly and leg-spinner Tanveer Sangha in their lineup, replacing Matthew Short and Spencer Johnson. India maintained the same team that secured victory in their previous match against New Zealand, featuring a strong spin attack.
