The second match of the 2-match Test series between Sri Lanka and Australia started on February 6 at the Galle ground. Australia won the first match, taking a 1-0 lead by winning with an innings and 242 runs. For the second Test match, the Australian team made a significant change to their playing 11, giving 21-year-old all-rounder Cooper Connolly a chance to debut in Test cricket. Cooper has already made his debut in One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and T20 Internationals.
Cooper Connolly is seen as a future star of Australian cricket, potentially making significant contributions with both bat and ball in all three formats. He has played only four matches in first-class cricket before being given the opportunity to debut in Test cricket. Cooper is also the fourth player in Australian cricket since 1900 to make his Test debut in just four first-class matches. He made his ODI and T20 debut in 2024 and has played only two T20 matches so far. In first-class cricket, Cooper has scored 309 runs at an average of 61.80 in 6 innings of 4 matches, including three half-century innings.
Cooper has played only 4 matches in first class cricket
The Australian team’s decision to give Cooper a chance is a significant one, and he will be looking to make a strong impression in his debut Test match. With his ability to bat and bowl, Cooper has the potential to be a valuable asset to the Australian team in the future.
Sri Lanka also made three changes in their playing 11
After losing the first Test match against Australia, the Sri Lankan team made three changes to their playing 11 for the second Test. Pathum Nisanka, Ramesh Mendis, and Lahiru Kumara were included in the playing 11. Sri Lankan team captain Dimuth Karunaratne is playing his 100th Test match, becoming the 7th Sri Lankan player to reach this milestone. Dimuth will also be retiring from Test cricket after this match. The Sri Lankan team decided to bat first after winning the toss.