Australia’s next-gen star stuns with one-handed first-ball screamer
Cooper Connolly’s impressive ODI tour in Africa continued with a screamer for Australia on the first ball of the second match against South Africa at The Wanderers Stadium.
Mitch Marsh won the toss in Johannesburg and elected to field with his side right on top from the start.
Cooper Connolly’s catch. Fox Cricket
Josh Hazlewood pitched his ball at a good length outside off-stump with Aiden Markram attempting a cut shot towards point.
Connolly leaped high and took the catch one-handed to send Markram packing.
“What a wonderful catch,” Shaun Pollock said on Fox Cricket’s coverage.
Greg Blewett added to the plaudits.
“He’s a serious talent, Cooper Connolly,” he said.
“Very much an all-rounder with primarily his batting but he’s so valuable in the field ... reminds me a bit of Michael Clarke in the field, the way he throws and fields.”
The Proteas then quickly became 2-36 when Quinton de Kock (15) was cuaght behind off Hazlewood’s bowling.
Matthew Breetzke brought South Africa back into the contest with 34 off 28 balls before became Jack Edwards’ first ODI victim, caught behind as well.
Edwards’ wicket was a form of redemption, having dropped Temba Bavuma it the outfield.
The momentum started to turn towards South Africa with Nathan Ellis ruled out from a side strain having bowled four overs and conceded 22 runs. The Proteas were clearly attacking Australia’s spinners too as Adam Zampa went for close to 10 runs an over from his first seven. Matthew Renshaw also had 0-29 off three overs.
Bavuma eventually reached a century in the 36th over, off the bowling of Edwards who no doubt had regret over his blunder. The ton came off 112 balls.
Edwards had his man the next time he grabbed the ball when Bavuma was caught for 103.
David Miller was next to hit a century, finishing with 142 before he was dimissed by Edwards too.
South Africa ended its innings 9-365 as Edwards claimed 5-67.
