How Steve Smith’s example of Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja led Cooper Connolly to call up Australia

Last update:January 10, 2025, 4:56 p.m. IST

Steve Smith says he asked for Cooper Connolly in the Test squad after watching Jadeja and Axar play together for India.

Steve Smith gave the example of Ravindra Jadeja to Australia. (AP)

Steve Smith gave Australian decision-makers the examples of Indian spinner Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel to persuade them to give 21-year-old batting all-rounder Cooper Connolly his first Test call-up for the next two Tests against Sri Lanka.

Smith said he wanted a left-arm spinner in the team after seeing Jadeja and Axar operating for India in the subcontinent. He said he liked the combination where the team had two tops to spin the ball each way, where they could support each other when the pitches got flat or the tempo helped make runs.

“I had a little chat with Ron and Dodders (coach Andrew McDonald and selector Tony Dodemaide) here after the game,” Smith said at the SCG on Friday ahead of his return to the BBL for the Sixers.

“I was pretty keen on someone like Cooper coming in, to be able to swing the ball the other way. You look at India, they have Axar (Patel) and Ravindra Jadeja, (so) when one spinner is tired or nothing is happening, they can turn to another spinner. I like the fit, having a few spinners in each direction, it fits really well. He’s a talented young kid and he’s done very well in every opportunity he’s had,” Smith added.

Australia have Nathan Lyon, Matt Kuhnemann and Todd Murphy as first-choice options while Travis Head, Smith himself, Marnus Labuschagne and Beau Webster can all tweak the wrists.

Connolly has played only four first-class matches, scoring 309 runs at an average of 61.80, but has no wickets to his name from 16 overs. He has played a lot in T20s though and has nine wickets at an average of 28.44 to show for it.

Earlier today, Connolly said he would take inspiration from his previous experience in India to use his bowling to the team’s benefit.

“I feel like my bowling is pretty high right now. I like to think so. This is something that will allow me to join teams around the world and hopefully get more opportunities for Australia. I think my bowling has come a long way in the last 18 months, so I’m happy with where it is,” he was quoted as saying by IANS.

“Some visibility (internationally) has been quite nice; I also participated in the MRF tour of India which was very beneficial for my cricket in spinning conditions. I’m ready to go out there and play. I was chosen for a reason, so I just have to go with it, accept it and learn as much as I can. »

Both tests will be played at the Galle International Stadium, starting January 29.