Cooper Connolly’s maiden ODI knock ended in cruel scenes on Sunday afternoon, with the Australian rising star sent for scans on a suspected broken wrist.
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During the third ODI against Pakistan at Perth Stadium, Australia was in early trouble at 4-77 in the 17th over when seamer Mohammad Hasnain produced a short delivery that struck Connolly on the wrist.
The 21-year-old, unbeaten on 7 at the time, soon signalled for medical assistance, with team physios rushing onto the field. After a brief delay, he retired hurt and gingerly trudged off the field, replaced in the middle by Glenn Maxwell.
“It hit him hard, beat him for pace,” former Australian batter Mark Waugh said on Fox Cricket commentary.
“It looked a bit puffy, that hand.”
Connolly was taken for scans, with Cricket Australia later confirming he had suffered a suspected fracture.
“I seen him briefly outside,” Australian captain Josh Inglis told reporters in the post-match press conference.
“I’m not sure if it’s a fracture or not.
“There’s talk of potential surgery. I’m not too sure to be honest.”
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Connolly made his ODI debut during the recent white-ball tour of the United Kingdom, bowling four wicketless overs in a 49-run victory over England in Bristol.
The left-hander, with only four first-class appearances under his belt, scored 37 during last week’s Australia A match against India A in Mackay.
Australia was bowled out for 140 in 31.5 overs, setting Pakistan a modest 141-run target for victory in the series decider.
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