In a historic performance on Sunday, August 24, 22-year-old Australian spinner Cooper Connolly became the first Australian spinner ever to take a five-wicket haul in a One Day International (ODI) match. The feat came during the third ODI against South Africa at the Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay.
Outstanding Bowling Figures
Connolly, playing for the Mitchell Marsh-led Australian side, bowled six overs and returned impressive figures of 5 wickets for just 22 runs. These numbers not only represent the best bowling figures by an Australian spinner on home soil, but also rank as the 10th-best ODI bowling performance by an Australian bowler in Australia.
Breaking Down the Wickets
Connolly opened his wicket account by dismissing Tony de Zorzi, who scored 33 runs. De Zorzi was caught by Alex Carey on the third delivery of the 14th over during South Africa’s run chase.
His next scalp was Dewald Brevis, a number six batter who had been striking the ball aggressively, scoring 49 runs off 28 balls, including two fours and five sixes. Brevis was caught by Cameron Green.
Connolly’s third wicket came in the form of Wiaan Mulder, who managed only 5 runs before being caught by Marnus Labuschagne on the second ball of the 20th over.
Soon after, he removed Corbin Bosch, who could only score 17 runs from 15 balls, caught again by Labuschagne.
Finally, Connolly sealed his maiden five-wicket haul when wicketkeeper Josh Inglis stumped Keshav Maharaj on the fifth ball of the 24th over, completing an extraordinary bowling display.
Also Read: Australia Smashed South Africa With Record-Breaking 431/2 in 3rd ODI
A Historic Achievement
Connolly’s performance not only helped Australia dominate the bowling department but also etched his name in cricket history as the first Australian spinner to achieve a five-wicket haul in an ODI on home soil, highlighting his growing stature as a future star for the national team.
