NEW DELHI: Australian all-rounder Cooper Connolly will miss the upcoming T20I series against Pakistan due to a fractured left hand sustained when Mohammad Hasnain struck him during the final ODI in Perth on Sunday.
The incident occurred in the 17th over when Connolly attempted a pull shot and received a blow to his glove on the second delivery.
Although he faced another ball, he soon recognised discomfort. Following a brief medical assessment, he departed the field for scans that confirmed the injury’s severity.
Cricket Australia issued a statement on Connolly’s injury.
“Cooper Connolly has a fractured fourth metacarpal on his left hand, ruling him out of the Australian men’s T20 side to play Pakistan. He was struck on the hand by Mohammad Hasnain while batting in the final ODI against Pakistan in Perth,” Cricket Australia said.
“Connolly will consult a specialist in Perth tomorrow. A replacement player will be named in due course,” it said.
Prior to this incident, Connolly participated in the Australia A matches against India A, appearing in the opening fixture at Mackay where he scored 37 in the first innings, before joining the ODI squad.
Throughout his international career, Connolly has represented Australia in two T20Is and two ODIs.