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.”
Cricket Australia later released a statement confirming Connolly had been taken for scans, flagging he probably would not return for the second innings.
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.