Champions Trophy: Cooper Connolly Replaces Injured Matthew Short In Australia’s Squad For Semi-Final Against India

March 3, 2025: Australia have announced young all-rounder Cooper Connolly as the replacement for the injured Matthew Short ahead of their semi-final clash against India in the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Short, who injured his calf while fielding, was visibly hampered during his quick-fire 20 at the top of the batting order in Australia’s match against Afghanistan, which was eventually abandoned due to rain.

Australian captain Steve Smith expressed concern over Short’s injury, stating, “I think he’ll be struggling. I think we saw tonight he wasn’t moving very well, and I think it’s probably going to be too quick between games for him to recover,” as quoted by the ICC.

Connolly, who has appeared in six international matches for Australia, including three One-Day Internationals (ODIs), will now be added to the squad. The left-handed batter, who also bowls left-arm spin, will provide Australia with an additional spin option, which could be crucial given the nature of the Dubai pitch. Although Connolly has scored just 10 runs in his three ODIs and is yet to take a wicket for Australia, his inclusion adds depth to the team.

While Jake Fraser-McGurk, an inexperienced top-order batter, is the most likely candidate to replace Short in the playing XI, there is also speculation that Steve Smith may move up the order to partner Travis Head, which would enable the side to introduce an extra bowling option.

All-rounders Sean Abbott and Aaron Hardie are also in Australia’s 15-player squad for the Champions Trophy, and Tanveer Sangha, a promising young spinner, is another potential player who could be called up for the semi-finals.

Australia qualified for the semi-finals in second place with four points from three group-stage matches. India, who finished top of Group A with six points, will now face Australia in the first semi-final on Tuesday in Dubai.

Australia’s squad for the semi-final includes: Steve Smith (c), Sean Abbott, Alex Carey, Cooper Connolly, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Aaron Hardie, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Spencer Johnson, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Tanveer Sangha, and Adam Zampa.