Cooper Connolly studies Travis Head's Test batting blueprint
Connolly prepares for the Test series against South Africa by studying Travis Head's opening-order blueprint.
Cooper Connolly is studying how Travis Head moved from No.5 to the opening spot during the Ashes, hoping to replicate that success in red-ball cricket. Connolly recently opened against Zimbabwe in an ODI and is being considered to bat at No.3 in next month's Test series against South Africa.
"I probably get into Heady's brain a little bit because I feel like I play a similar way in red-ball cricket to him," Connolly told cricket.com.au. Head's unexpected Ashes promotion worked, drawing on his extensive experience opening in shorter formats.
Connolly, 23, has thrived when batting higher in recent white-ball tournaments and impressed with Punjab Kings in the Indian Premier League. His case for No.3 at next year's World Cup is growing after backing up a 149 against Bangladesh with a rapid-fire half-century against Zimbabwe.
- 23
- Connolly's age
- 149 from 134 balls
- Score vs Bangladesh
- Punjab Kings
- IPL team
- No.5
- Head's previous position
Why it mattersConnolly's positioning in the batting order shapes Australia's Test depth and the World Cup squad; Head's template offers proof that position changes can work.
AustraliaHow Connolly performs in the South Africa Test series will influence Australia's middle order for the home summer and the upcoming World Cup campaign.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 6 d ago
