Photo Credit: Western Australian Cricket Association
Cricket Australia is proud to announce Cooper Connolly as the Australian captain for the ICC Under 19 men’s Cricket World Cup 2022 in the West Indies.
The Western Australian all-rounder will lead an Australian squad packed with talent that will arrive in Guyana shortly, ahead of a campaign that begins on Friday, January 14.
Connolly is playing at his second consecutive ICC Under 19 World Cup after earning selection as a 16-year-old for the 2020 tournament in South Africa.
He played two matches there, including an innings of 64 off 53 balls against the West Indies in Benoni, only the fourth time a 16-year-old has notched a half century in an Under 19 World Cup.
Connolly hails from Scarborough Cricket Club, the same club as Australian coach Justin Langer.
The all-rounder becomes the fourth West Australian to lead the national side at a World Cup, following in the footsteps of Mitch Marsh (2010), William Bosisto (2012) and Jaron Morgan (2014).
Australian Under 19 captain Cooper Connolly said;
“It is a huge honour to be named captain of Australia for the Under 19 World Cup, I’m incredibly thankful for the opportunity to lead our team,” he said.
“We are fortunate to have strong leaders in our group, and I know I have fantastic support around me.
“I’m thrilled to be playing for Australia again, the World Cup is the ultimate under-age carnival and as a squad we are excited to embrace the opportunity that’s in front of us.”
Australian Under 19 head coach Anthony Clark said:
“Cooper is a wonderful talent and a strong character who has thoroughly earned the opportunity to lead his country at the World Cup,” he said.
“He has already displayed his ability on the world stage and we’re excited for what he can bring to the group both on and off the field at this year’s tournament.
Photo Credit: LinkedIn profile photo of Anthony clark
“Cooper will captain our squad and has unanimous support from our group, but there will certainly be opportunities for all players to develop leadership qualities over the course of the tournament.”
The Australian squad will self-quarantine for three days upon arrival in Guyana before playing practice matches against South Africa and India.
Players and coaches are available to media on request. Please contact Patrick Henning to arrange.
Australian Squad for ICC U19 World Cup
Cooper Connolly (WA – Scarborough CC) (C)
Harkirat Bajwa (VIC – Melbourne CC)
Aidan Cahill (NSW – Newcastle City CC)
Joshua Garner (VIC – Geelong CC)
Isaac Higgins (SA – Glenelg CC)
Campbell Kellaway (VIC – Melbourne CC)
Corey Miller (NSW – Northern District CC)
Jack Nisbet (NSW – Sydney CC)
Nivethan Radhakrishnan (TAS – Hawkesbury DCC/Kingborough DCC)
William Salzmann (NSW – Campbelltown-Camden DCC)
Lachlan Shaw (NSW – Northern Districts CC)
Jackson Sinfield (QLD – Redlands CC)
Tobias Snell (QLD – Toombul CC)
Tom Whitney (QLD – Western Suburbs CC)
Teague Wyllie (WA – Rockingham-Mandurah CC)
ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup Groupings
Group A – Bangladesh, England, Canada, United Arab Emirates
Group B – India, Ireland, South Africa, Uganda
Group C – Afghanistan, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Zimbabwe
Group D – Australia, Scotland, Sri Lanka, West Indies
Australia’s ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup Group Matches
Jan 14: West Indies v Australia, Guyana National Stadium
Jan 17: Australia v Sri Lanka, Conaree Cricket Center
Jan 19: Australia v Scotland, Conaree Cricket Center
