Unicorns sign up Cooper Connolly for upcoming MLC season as all-rounder prepares for upcoming T20 World Cup.
Unicorns have roped in Cooper Connolly in what will be his first MLC experience.
Since last September, Connolly, a 21-year-old left-handed batter and left-arm spinner, has made his debut for Australia in all forms. In February, he played his first Test match against Sri Lanka.
Australia’s Test trip to the West Indies coincides with MLC, but Connolly is not expected to play in those games. The end of MLC is followed by the five T20Is, in which Connolly may play as Australia prepares for the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka next year.
Connolly initially gained notoriety in T20 when, in just his fourth game and second innings, he led the Perth Scorchers to the 2022–23 BBL championship. He only played one more match after missing the home Pakistan series in November due to a thumb injury, but he made his T20I debut against Scotland last year.
After his return, he had a stellar 2024–25 BBL, scoring 351 runs at 50.14 with a strike-rate of 131.46. He and Glenn Maxwell shared the title of joint player of the event.
Shane Watson, a former Australia all-rounder who has been pleased by Connolly’s early career, is the Unicorns’ coach.
“Cooper’s all-round ability is going to be a key asset for the Unicorns this summer,” Watson said. “Although he’s young, he’s shown maturity and adaptability beyond his age; not many players have international experience across both white-ball formats and earned a baggy green at 21.”