ENG vs AUS: Cooper Connolly added to Australia ODI squad, Mahli Beardman on standby amid injury concerns

Australia National Cricket Team selectors have decided to add Cooper Connolly to the ODI squad for the upcoming series against England National Cricket Team and teenage sensation Mahli Beardman has been included in the squad as a standby amid growing injury concerns.

The Australian fast bowlers have faced a lot of injury issues in recent times, which has left the management frustrated. The likes of Nathan Ellis, Riley Meredith, Xavier Bartlett, and Spencer Johnson have all been out of action due to injuries.

Ahead of the UK tour, Nathan Ellis got ruled out with a hamstring injury while Riley Meredith played one match against Scotland before experiencing side soreness and getting ruled out.

Xavier Bartlett sustained a side strain in the T20I series opener against England and got ruled out of the entire UK tour while Spencer Johnson went down with a side strain after initially being picked for England T20Is.

Premier pacer Pat Cummins is already out of the UK tour with his focus on strength and conditioning while Josh Hazlewood is facing calf issues and is being carefully managed. Australia are also managing injury-prone pacers Jhye Richardson and Lance Morris, hence they are not being considered at the moment.

All this has opened the door for the 19-year-old Mahli Beardman to join the Australian team although as a reserve. Mahli Beardman was sensational for the Aussies in the ICC Under-19 World Cup 2024 and shined with the figures of 3/15 in the final to help his team beat India and lift the trophy.

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Mahli Beardman, Cooper Connolly Mahli Beardman In Australia Squad For England ODIs

Cooper Connolly was initially picked only for the T20Is on the UK tour but has now been added to the ODI squad. Cooper Connolly has featured in just two T20Is for the Aussies and is yet to bag a wicket. Ben Dwarshuis will also stay on for England ODIs, serving as the fourth specialist pacer along with Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Sean Abbott.

Speaking after the T20I series between England and Australia ended in a draw, Mitchell Marsh said that with 5 ODIs in the span of 11 days, they need to juggle up the playing XI.

"There will be opportunities for guys throughout the series, no doubt," Marsh told cricket.com.au following the drawn T20 series. "Five games in 11 days, we'll have to juggle a bit, but guys will get opportunities and a lot like the T20 series, we're really excited by that."

Meanwhile, the ODI series between England and Australia will be played on September 19, 21, 24, 27 and 29. The likes of Steve Smith, Glenn Maxwell, Marnus Labuschagne, and Alex Carey will provide a massive boost to the team with their return for the series.

Australia ODI squad vs England: Mitchell Marsh (c), Sean Abbott, Alex Carey, Cooper Connolly, Ben Dwarshuis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Cameron Green, Aaron Hardie, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Short, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa. Reserve: Mahli Beardman