Cooper Connolly lit up the Indian Premier League after learning he had been cut from the Cricket Australia contract list, pummelling 72 from 44 balls to lead Ricky Ponting’s Punjab Kings to an opening victory overnight.
Identified early by Australia’s selectors, Connolly made his Test debut in addition to multiple white ball appearances over the past 18 months, but with just 28 runs at 4.66 from 11 T20 internationals he was an obvious choice to lose his CA deal.
Connolly and Sam Konstas are among the young players denied central contracts for 2026-27, as CA reduced the number of deals offered to 21 ahead of a taxing calendar of as many as 21 Tests in 12 months.
The retired Usman Khawaja, Glenn Maxwell, Lance Morris, Jhye Richardson and Matt Short were the other players to lose their deals from last year.
“I was looking forward to the experience of playing with some world class players, but to put that performance in tonight, very happy,” Connolly said after his match-winning IPL knock.
“I spent some time with friends and family at home before this just to reset. I’m just more of a tempo player, feel the flow of my hands, don’t hit too many big sixes … working with Ricky is great.”
After struggling to start his innings against spin for Australia, Connolly batted number three for Punjab and had the luxury of facing 13 balls of pace before crossing swords with the wrist spin of Rashid Khan. He appeared much more comfortable as a result.
Connolly’s Punjab teammate, swing bowler Xavier Bartlett, kept his national deal.
Selection chair George Bailey explained that the contract list favoured Test and multi-format players due to the fact there are so many Tests and no World Cups to be played during the contract period.
“The contract list strives to balance reward for performances over time with a lens to the upcoming schedule,” he said. “The next 12 months encompasses a busy Test schedule across a range of conditions and challenges – South Africa, India and England as well as the Top End and home Tests across the summer.
“This is reflected in the contract list through a predominance of Test and multi-format players for this cycle. Given the upcoming schedule of series we know we will continue to need and utilise players outside of those contracted.
“This year, perhaps more than ever, it is essential we continue working closely with and collaborate with states to ensure players are developing and ready for International cricket when they get opportunities.”
Cricket Australia contract list: Pat Cummins, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Mitchell Starc, Steve Smith, Alex Carey, Beau Webster, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitchell Marsh, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland, Michael Neser, Brendan Doggett, Adam Zampa, Nathan Ellis, Josh Inglis, Jake Weatherald, Matt Kuhnemann, Todd Murphy, Xavier Bartlett.
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Daniel Brettig is The Age’s chief cricket writer and the author of several books on cricket.Connect via X.
